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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200-Meter Freestyle Swimming Performance
Timeframe: Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test).
Mental Toughness
Timeframe: Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test).
Heart-Mind Coherence
Timeframe: Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test).