The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training on EEG and Athletic Performance of Goalball Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction training on EEG and athletic performance of goalball players. In a semi-experimental design, 27 athletes were selected by purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The participants in the experimental group underwent mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for 8 sessions of 120 minutes per week, but the control group did not receive any intervention. Before and after the intervention, brain signals with closed eyes were recorded from Cz, O1, Fz, F3 and F4 regions. Also, two skills of throwing accuracy and orientation were used to measure athletic performance. The results of mixed analysis of variance showed that the experimental group had a significant and increasing change in theta, alpha, SMR and beta waves compared to the control group. The athletic performance of goalball players has also improved. Based on the findings of this study, it seems that MBSR training, in addition to improving athletic performance, it creates adaptations in the nervous system.