Efficacy of yoga in facilitating mindfulness among asymptomatic male cricket players

Manasa R Rao

doi:10.17485/ijst/v13i22.614

Abstract

Background: Cricket scenario across the globe has undergone tremendous changes in the last two decades. Premier league designs have exposed the players to immense aggression, competitiveness, and expectations. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of yoga in facilitating mindfulness among asymptomatic male cricket players. Methods and materials: First-class domestic male cricket players in the age group of 18-35 years from the Karnataka State Cricket Association were randomized into yoga group n=40 and wait-list control group n=42. Players received the yoga module for five days/week for a duration of six weeks. Five-facet mindfulness questionnaire was given at baseline, immediate post-intervention, and a follow-up after six months of intervention. Statistical analysis: Group differences in the change in parameters over time was modelled using linear mixed-effects regression method using the lme4 package in R, as two groups were compared over three unevenly spaced assessment time points. Findings: Comparison of the model fit indicates a significant (p 0.001) at either time or group, however, there was a significant interaction effect at T2 (immediate post-intervention) among all the facets. No significant interaction effect (group*time interaction) was found in the follow-up study. Application: Regular practice of this yoga module may enhance the likelihood to maintain a state of mindfulness among the male cricket players. Integrating yoga into the competitive world of cricket appears to be promising in enhancing mindfulness. Keywords: Sports performance; mindfulness; Yoga; cricket players; wellbeing

Highlights

One of the most important aspects of sports performance is the player’s ability to train the mind to put themselves in the best situation to compete with an optimum athletic ability and focus, where there is little room for error
The findings of this study indicate that yoga training had produced no significant effect of time or group, significant interaction effect at T2 among all the facets except for the facets indicate the impact of yoga on the facets of observe, describe, act with awareness, non-judging and non-reactivity
In line with the earlier studies that validated the advantages of yoga on mental well-being, this study demonstrated that comprehensive yoga module that encompasses postures, breathing techniques and deep relaxation is likely to increase the cricket player’s ability to maintain a state of mindfulness

Summary

Introduction

One of the most important aspects of sports performance is the player’s ability to train the mind to put themselves in the best situation to compete with an optimum athletic ability and focus, where there is little room for error. The facilitative role of mental skills in high level sports participation has been strongly emphasised over the past three decades. Mindfulness techniques have been widely utilized in clinical psychology, often as an adjunct to cognitive or behavioural interventions[4]. It has become relevant in sport considering the fact that the practice inculcates a present moment awareness that is crucial in athletic performance[5]. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of yoga in facilitating mindfulness among asymptomatic male cricket players. Application: Regular practice of this yoga module may enhance the likelihood to maintain a state of mindfulness among the male cricket players. Integrating yoga into the competitive world of cricket appears to be promising in enhancing mindfulness

Objectives

Results

Conclusion