Effects of Imagery and Breathing Exercises on Swimmers' Performance, Mental Toughness, and Heart-Mind Coherence

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

19 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-01-20

Study Completion Date

2025-03-17

Brief Summary

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This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of a 10-week imagery and breathing exercise intervention on 200-meter freestyle swimming performance, mental toughness, and heart-mind coherence in swimmers. Nineteen licensed swimmers aged 13-18 years were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=9) receiving imagery and breathing exercises or a control group (n=10) receiving only standard physical training. Outcomes were measured using the 200-meter freestyle swimming time, the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), and heart-mind coherence via the Inner Balance HeartMath device. The intervention significantly improved mental toughness and swimming performance in the experimental group compared to the control group, with a trend toward improved heart-mind coherence.

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Detailed Description

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The study was conducted at the facilities of Pamukkale Üniversitesi Mensupları Spor Kulübü Yüzme Takımı in Denizli, Türkiye. Participants underwent a pre-test/post-test design with the following measures: 200-meter freestyle swimming performance, mental toughness (assessed via the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire), and heart-mind coherence (measured using the Inner Balance HeartMath device for real-time biofeedback of heart rate variability \[HRV\]). The experimental group participated in a 10-week intervention involving daily imagery and breathing exercises performed before bedtime, following a structured protocol (4-second inhale through the nose, 4-second exhale through the mouth, while imagining a 200-meter swim with detailed visualization). The intervention included a 6-day training period on techniques, followed by 10 weeks of daily practice, with reminders and feedback provided via a WhatsApp group. The control group continued standard physical training without additional mental training. Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA, with post-hoc Bonferroni tests, and a significance level of p\<0.05.

Conditions

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Athletic Performance Mental Toughness Coherence (Heart-Mind Synchronization)

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Randomized controlled trial, parallel-group, pre-test post-test design.

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

NONE

None (Open Label) (The manuscript does not mention blinding; assumed as open-label since participants and researchers likely knew the group assignments due to the nature of the intervention.)

Study Groups

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Imagery and Breathing Exercises

Participants received a 10-week intervention of imagery and breathing exercises in addition to standard physical training.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Imagery and Breathing Exercises

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Participants performed daily imagery and breathing exercises before bedtime for 10 weeks. The protocol involved a 4-second inhale through the nose and a 4-second exhale through the mouth while visualizing a 200-meter freestyle swim with detailed attention to technique and performance. A 6-day training period was provided to teach the techniques, and participants received daily reminders and feedback via a WhatsApp group.

Standard of care

Participants received only standard physical training without additional mental training.

Group Type NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

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Imagery and Breathing Exercises

Participants performed daily imagery and breathing exercises before bedtime for 10 weeks. The protocol involved a 4-second inhale through the nose and a 4-second exhale through the mouth while visualizing a 200-meter freestyle swim with detailed attention to technique and performance. A 6-day training period was provided to teach the techniques, and participants received daily reminders and feedback via a WhatsApp group.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Aged 13-18 years.
* Licensed and actively engaged in competitive swimming.
* No serious injuries in the past 6 months.
* Parental consent obtained for participants under 18 years.

Exclusion Criteria

* Diagnosis of heart disease or respiratory system disorders.
* Psychiatric diagnosis or ongoing psychological treatment.
* Serious injury or surgery within the past 6 months.

Minimum Eligible Age

13 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes