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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06920875

Effects of Imagery and Breathing Exercises on Swimmers' Performance, Mental Toughness, and Heart-Mind Coherence

This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of a 10-week imagery and breathing exercise intervention on 200-meter freestyle swimming performance, mental toughness, and heart-mind coherence in swimmers. Nineteen licensed swimmers aged 13-18 years were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=9) receiving imagery and breathing exercises or a control group (n=10) receiving only standard physical training. Outcomes were measured using the 200-meter freestyle swimming time, the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), and heart-mind coherence via the Inner Balance HeartMath device. The intervention significantly improved mental toughness and swimming performance in the experimental group compared to the control group, with a trend toward improved heart-mind coherence.

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Key information

Conditions

Athletic Performance Coherence (Heart-Mind Synchronization) Mental Toughness

Age range

13 year–18 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

The study was conducted at the facilities of Pamukkale Üniversitesi Mensupları Spor Kulübü Yüzme Takımı in Denizli, Türkiye. Participants underwent a pre-test/post-test design with the following measures: 200-meter freestyle swimming performance, mental toughness (assessed via the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire), and heart-mind coherence (measured using the Inner Balance HeartMath device for real-time biofeedback of heart rate variability [HRV]). The experimental group participated in a 10-week intervention involving daily imagery and breathing exercises performed before bedtime, following a structured protocol (4-second inhale through the nose, 4-second exhale through the mouth, while imagining a 200-meter swim with detailed visualization). The intervention included a 6-day training period on techniques, followed by 10 weeks of daily practice, with reminders and feedback provided via a WhatsApp group. The control group continued standard physical training without additional mental training. Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA, with post-hoc Bonferroni tests, and a significance level of p<0.05.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Aged 13-18 years.
  • Licensed and actively engaged in competitive swimming.
  • No serious injuries in the past 6 months.
  • Parental consent obtained for participants under 18 years.

Exclusion criteria

  • Diagnosis of heart disease or respiratory system disorders.
  • Psychiatric diagnosis or ongoing psychological treatment.
  • Serious injury or surgery within the past 6 months.

Treatment and study plan

Imagery and Breathing Exercises

Behavioral

Participants performed daily imagery and breathing exercises before bedtime for 10 weeks. The protocol involved a 4-second inhale through the nose and a 4-second exhale through the mouth while visualizing a 200-meter freestyle swim with detailed attention to technique and performance. A 6-day training period was provided to teach the techniques, and participants received daily reminders and feedback via a WhatsApp group.

Primary outcomes

  1. 200-Meter Freestyle Swimming Performance

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test).

    time to complete a 200-meter freestyle swim, measured in seconds.

  2. Mental Toughness

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test).

    Assessed using the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), with scores indicating levels of mental toughness. The Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) is a 14-item scale measuring mental toughness across the subdomains of confidence, constancy, and control, with scores ranging from 14 to 56. Higher scores indicate greater mental toughness, reflecting a more positive psychological profile in athletes.

  3. Heart-Mind Coherence

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test).

    Measured using the Inner Balance HeartMath device to assess heart rate variability (HRV)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Maximum Coherence Values

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test).

    Maximum coherence levels achieved during measurement sessions, assessed via the Inner Balance HeartMath device.

  2. Balance Performance

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test).

    Assessed as part of the study hypothesis, though specific measurement tools are not detailed in the manuscript.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University

Other

Collaborators

  • Pamukkale University

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of 10-Week Imagery and Breathing Exercises on 200-Meter Swimming Performance, Mental Toughness, and Heart-Mind Coherence in Swimmers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Apr 10, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 10, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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