Does Technology Improve Athlete Engagement in Mental Techniques?

Elite athletes are aware of the potential benefits of mental training techniques to deal with the stressors of training and competition. However, this particular cohort struggles with allocating meaningful time towards mental training programs within the overall training program. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that Smartphone applications will improve athlete engagement with mental training programs. Forty-six male adults (mean age 24 years) who play for one professional Australian Rules football team were recruited to participate in this study. Using a between groups repeated measures design, players were randomized into three groups, participating in one of three applications over a four-week period: one group completed a mindfulness application (Headspace), second group completed a brain training application (Cognifit), and the third were controlled and used a neutral application (Soothing Sounds). Players were assessed pre and post the four-week program on engagement; and measures including sleep (duration and quality), resilience, flow state, determination, and overall wellbeing were checked. Results showed no differences in groups, or change in the dependent variables. However, player engagement was markedly reduced in all groups with compliance falling, compared to initial participation levels, by 43%, 38% and 42% for the mindfulness, brain training and neutral applications respectively. This study demonstrates that Smartphone applications do not improve compliance with mental training programs, or significantly improve outcomes, in this professional athlete environment. Practical applications would include prompting and encouraging athletes to engage in undertaking psychological mental training, as technology alone is not sufficient to increase uptake.