The Effects of a Biofeedback Intervention on the Mindfulness and Resilience of Equestrian Athletes
The Effects of a Biofeedback Intervention on the Mindfulness and Resilience of Equestrian Athletes
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Issue Date
2013
Authors
Brooke, Lauren
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Abstract
The ability to cope with various stressors and demonstrate resilience plays an integral role in optimal sport performance (e.g.,Fletcher & Sakar, 2012), and it has been demonstrated that the act of mindfulness may strengthen one's aptitude to do so (e.g. Gardner & Moore, 2012). Embedded in the core of mindfulness is the ability to self-regulate, which is the premise of biofeedback training, and such training has been shown to contribute to optimal sport performance (e.g. Pop-Jordanova & Demerdzieva, 2010). However, accessibility to biofeedback training can be limited and time-consuming, and thus the current study sought to bring biofeedback training into the daily routines of equestrian athletes. Equestrian athletes are an under researched sport population, yet given the inherent danger of equestrian sport coupled with its unique nature wherein successful performance hinges on the nuanced interaction between horse and rider, the need for adapting sport psychology services to this population is clear (Wolframm & Micklewright, 2008; 2011). The goal of the current -study was to examine the effects of a smart phone based biofeedback intervention on the mindfulness and resilience of equestrian athletes. The study utilized a mixed methodological approach in which five adult female equestrian athletes participated in a six-week biofeedback (heart rate variability) intervention, took pre and post inventories that measured resilience, mindfulness, and athletic coping skills, and engaged in two interviews. Single-subject examination (Martin, Thompson, & Regehr, 2004) of the quantitative data did not reveal strong results, but content analysis (Weber, 1985) of the qualitative data revealed that participation led to new beneficial habits, an increased level of awareness, and enhanced present-moment focus capabilities in sport. The results suggest value in the use of technology in conjunction with interactive sport psychology services.
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Keywords
Mindfulness, Resilience, Coping, Equestrian, Biofeedback