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Khatereh Faqirzada; Fateme Dehghani-Arani
Abstract
Objective: The research explores the effectiveness of mindfulness training on executive functions in professional bodybuilders with physical injuries, with a focus on its impact on reducing mental rumination. The study investigates how mindfulness may influence cognitive functions and whether this ...
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Objective: The research explores the effectiveness of mindfulness training on executive functions in professional bodybuilders with physical injuries, with a focus on its impact on reducing mental rumination. The study investigates how mindfulness may influence cognitive functions and whether this influence is mediated by a decrease in mental rumination among the athletes. Method: he research is an applied semi-experimental study employing a randomized controlled trial design. It focuses on professional bodybuilders with physical injuries in Tehran, with a final sample of 40 participants. The participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Both groups completed pretests, and the experimental group received a 12-session mindfulness program while the control group had no intervention. Posttests were administered to both groups. Executive Function Questionnaire (EFQ), Ruminative Response Styles (RRS), and a Mindfulness Program Protocol were utilized as research tools. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for data analysis, and path analysis assessed the mediating role of rumination in the intervention's effectiveness on executive functions. Results: Results Summary: After adjusting for pretest differences, there was a significant reduction in posttest rumination scores in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.01, F = 37.14), with 28% of the changes attributed to the intervention. Mindfulness intervention effectively decreased rumination (P < 0.01). Moreover, 79% of the changes in posttest scores of executive functions were linked to the intervention. Significant differences in posttest scores were observed in overall executive functions (P < 0.01, F = 31.38), memory (P < 0.01, F = 31.52), inhibitory control and selective attention (P < 0.01, F = 31.69), and decision-making (P < 0.01, F = 31.28). No significant differences were found in planning, sustained attention, social cognition, and cognitive flexibility (P > 0.05). The effect size indicated that 28% of changes in executive functions, 63% in memory, 77% in inhibitory control and selective attention, and 48% in decision-making were due to the intervention. Path analysis showed significant coefficients for the influence of the mindfulness program on executive functions, memory, inhibitory control, and decision-making. Rumination played a mediating role in the effectiveness of the mindfulness program on executive functions. Conclusion: Mindfulness-based therapy effectively reduces cognitive distortions in professional bodybuilder athletes with physical injuries. By cultivating awareness through deep breathing and thoughtful attention, the therapy enhances mental well-being. The study highlights the mediating role of cognitive distortions in the effectiveness of mindfulness on executive functions. This suggests that mindfulness intervention positively influences executive functions by mitigating cognitive distortions. The findings advocate for the incorporation of mindfulness programs in sports psychology and therapy centers to enhance athletes' mental health.
