2017 Volume 43 Issue 1 Pages 61-69
The present study is a systematic review of the effectiveness of acceptance and mindfulness based interventions for enhancing athletes’ performance. Studies were initially identified by literature searches in multiple international and domestic databases. Search terms used included “acceptance-based”, “acceptance and commitment therapy”, “mindfulness”, “sport”, “athlete”, and “performance”. Studies were then assessed for inclusion by examination of their title, abstract, and full text. On this basis, 11 studies were selected for inclusion in the present review. No studies conducted in Japan met the criteria. The studies reviewed encompassed the Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment approach (n＝5), Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (n＝2), and alternative interventions (n＝4). Most of the studies (n＝8) found positive effects on sport performance. In 2 other studies, enhancement of sport performance was observed during a follow-up period. These findings suggest that acceptance and mindfulness based interventions appear to be effective for enhancing sport performance. Because none of the studies reviewed was conducted in Japan, research is needed on the effects of acceptance and mindfulness based interventions on the performance of Japanese athletes.
