Mindfulness-based training led anxiety estimates in athletes, with substantial uncertainty
A network review found the largest overall anxiety estimate for Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment, while wide uncertainty and sparse evidence limit confident comparisons between approaches.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment had the largest estimated overall reduction in competitive anxiety among the approaches analyzed. The abstract also reports different leading estimates for different anxiety dimensions and competitive levels. These rankings do not settle which approach works best: uncertainty was substantial, and some subgroup estimates were compatible with no difference.
This abstract-based account lacks the reference comparator and follow-up timing for its effect estimates. The authors also identify wide credible intervals and limited evidence for several interventions.
What researchers found
Competitive anxiety, standardized mean difference
Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment had the largest overall point estimate; the abstract does not specify its reference comparator or assessment timing.
Scores and uncertainty
Standardized mean differences express changes on a common statistical scale, rather than as percentage benefits. The credible interval describes uncertainty around the estimate. Having the largest point estimate does not establish superiority over every alternative.
Performance evidence was exploratory
Study-level analyses linked reductions in competitive anxiety with better sports performance. Because this was an exploratory association, it does not establish that anxiety reduction caused performance gains or explain what would happen for a particular athlete.
The original publication
The Effect of Different Psychological Interventions on Athletes' Competitive Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis.
Li L, Wang J, Li Q et al.
Sports Med Open · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41866642
- Record checked
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