The effects of a mindfulness-based program on the incidence of injuries in young male soccer players

We tested the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based program in reducing sport injury incidence. 168 young male elite soccer players were randomly assigned to mindfulness (MG) and control (CG) groups. The MG consisted of 7 sessions based on the Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment approach while the CG consisted of 7 presentations on sport injury psychology. Athlete-exposure and injury data were recorded during one season. State and trait mindfulness, sport anxiety, stress, and attention control of participants were assessed. Number of injuries, average of injuries per team, and days lost to injury in the MG were
significantly lower than in the CG. Mindfulness and attention control were
lower and sport anxiety and stress were higher in injured players than in
non-injured players. Psychological variables were associated with injury. Mindfulness training may reduce the injury risk of young soccer players due to improved mindfulness and attention control and reduced sport anxiety.