Effect of a Mindfulness Intervention on Competitive Anxiety, Self-Regulation and Salivary Alpha-Amylase Levels in Elite Wushu Athletes

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mindfulness intervention on competitive anxiety responses, self-regulating and salivary alpha-amylase levels in elite Wushu athletes. For this purpose, 26 male Wushu athletes participated in this study and were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. In the pretest, competitive anxiety, self-regulation and salivary alpha-amylase levels were measured in both groups. The experimental group performed the protocol for six sessions and then a post-test and follow-up test. The results showed that after the intervention, the competitive anxiety and salivary alpha-amylase levels were decreased, and this reduction continued to follow-up test. Besides, the self-regulating scores of elite Wushu athletes were increased after intervention. In general, it may be concluded that mindfulness intervention could be a strategy to reduce competitive anxiety responses and self-regulation improvement