Psychological effects of mindfulness training on combat sports athletes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Combat sports athletes face significant psychological challenges, including competitive anxiety and emotional pressure. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are promising tools to enhance mental well-being and performance in this population. However, the existing evidence lacks a comprehensive and methodologically robust synthesis. This systematic review protocol aims to address this gap. Objective: To systematically review and synthesize the evidence on the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing pre-competitive anxiety and improving psychological outcomes in combat sports athletes. Methods: This protocol follows the PRISMA-P guidelines and is registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF). Systematic searches will be conducted in PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Gray literature sources will also be searched. The search strategy will combine terms related to mindfulness, psychological outcomes, and combat sports using the Boolean operator AND. Study selection will be performed independently by two reviewers based on pre-defined PICOS criteria: Population: Combat sports athletes of any competitive level, both sexes, aged >12 years. Intervention: Mindfulness-based interventions (e.g., MAC, MBSR, MBCT). Comparison: Control groups (e.g., active, waitlist, no intervention). Outcomes: Psychological measures (anxiety, stress, self-confidence) and biochemical markers (e.g., salivary cortisol). Study design: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized trials, and pre-post studies. Data will be extracted by two independent reviewers using a standardized form. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane ROB 2 tool for RCTs and the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized studies. Data will be synthesized qualitatively. If sufficient data are available and studies are homogeneous, a meta-analysis will be performed using a random-effects model. Expected Results: This review will provide a comprehensive summary of the existing evidence on MBIs for combat sports athletes, evaluating their efficacy and the overall quality of the literature. Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review are expected to inform athletes, coaches, and sports psychologists on the potential integration of mindfulness practices into training regimens and highlight avenues for future research.