Author(s): CHEN, C.Y.1, HUNG, C.S.1,2, NIEN, J.T.3, HSIEH, W.L.1, CHEN, M.1, CHANG, Y.K.1,4, Institution: NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 412

Introduction: Elite athletic performance demands intense concentration and the ability to maintain optimal mental states under pressure. Mindfulness has emerged as a key evidence-based strategy for regulating stress, improving attentional focus, and enhancing overall functioning. We aims to provide an updated bibliometric analysis of mindfulness research in sports from 1995 to 2025, further complementing the existing literature by incorporating recent collaborative networks and expanded keyword analysis.

Methods: We utilized the Web of Science Core Collection to retrieve English-language original and review articles using a precise search terms related to "mindfulness" combined with "sport" or "athlete". Analytical tools including VOSviewer and CiteSpace were employed to examine temporal publication patterns, country and author productivity, collaborative structures, influential references, and keyword trends (burst and cluster analysis).

Results: A total of 227 articles were analyzed. While the first article appeared in 1995, significant growth began after 2014, with a peak of 34 articles in 2022. The USA maintains research leadership in volume and citations, though Asian countries (China, Iran, Turkey, and Taiwan) have shown remarkable recent growth. Daniel Birrer emerged as the most influential author based on impact metrics. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed that "performance", "flow", and "anxiety" were the most prevalent. Notable trends include a shift from performance-oriented studies toward athlete wellbeing and mental health. Findings suggest that international collaborations are heavily influenced by geographic proximity and language.

Conclusions: The field of mindfulness in sports has entered a phase of sustained growth and interdisciplinary maturation. The emergence of cognitive neuroscience methodologies could represents a promising avenue for deeper mechanistic insights. Furthermore, recent research has begun to broaden its emphasis beyond athletic performance to also encompass athlete mental health and holistic wellbeing, reflecting a broader paradigm of integrative athletic development.