The Impact of Fencing-Focused Mindfulness Training on Locus of Control in Sport, Sport-Confidence and Choice Reaction Time

Studies suggest that mindfulness meditation may shorten the reaction time in cognitive tests. Mindfulness-based interventions are considered to influence positively both performance and psychological state of athletes. Since reaction time and psychological factors are crucial for winning bouts in fencing, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether fencing-focused mindfulness training increases internal locus of control and sport confidence, and shorten choice reaction time in fencers. The study also examined the relationship between choice reaction time and the aforementioned psychological variables. Twenty-one fencers (age M = 15.67, SD = 1.91) from three Polish fencing clubs took part in the study. Participants completed pre- and two post-intervention measures of locus of control (LOC) in sport, sport-confidence, and choice reaction time (Blaze Pod device). Fencers were randomly assigned to three groups. The experimental group (N = 7) took part in 8 fencing-focused mindfulness trainings, while the active control group (N = 7) participated in 8 lectures on dietary habits and post-workout regeneration. The control group (N = 7) was passive. Results revealed a post-intervention increase in internal LOC on the competition scale in the experimental group and its decrease in both control groups. Results showed that the increase in confidence was associated with a decrease of the reaction time in the experimental group post-intervention. From an applied perspective, mindfulness training may influence increased effectiveness of fencing training and faster execution of fencing actions.