Work

Mapping the evidence on mindful sport performance enhancement (MSPE) and its influence on flow, performance, and mental health in athletes: A scoping review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Despite growing interest in mindfulness interventions in athlete health and well-being, limited research has systematically mapped evidence on a performance-specific mindfulness programme: Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE). This scoping review aimed to address this limitation. The primary aim was to map the evidence available on MSPE and its influence on performance-specific psychological outcomes. Given the emerging and heterogeneous nature of evidence in this area, a scoping review methodology was adopted to enable broad and systematic mapping of the literature in a resource-efficient manner, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted across six electronic databases, PubMed (including MEDLINE via NCBI), Web of Science (Clarivate), Scopus (Elsevier), ProQuest, EMBASE (Elsevier), and APA PsycINFO (EBSCOhost) consisting of scholarly articles published up to July 2025. The review identified 14 studies that met the predefined inclusion criteria. The key findings reported are as follows: (1) Evidence supporting the benefits of MSPE in enhancing flow and subjective performance (self -rated and coach -rated); (2) MSPE led to improvements in psychological performance-related outcomes, including improved mindfulness, emotion regulation, and psychological resilience and reduced anxiety and depression thus promoting athlete health. This scoping review highlights the MSPE as a promising intervention for incorporation into athletic routines and training and highlights the need for rigorous, high-quality research utilizing objective methods of performance and relevant mental health outcome assessments to promote athletic health and well-being.

Source: Performance Enhancement & Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2026.100419