Mental training intervention
Wilson and Taylor, anxiety
The mental training intervention was designed to examine the primary research question regarding the physiological underpinnings of traditional mental skills training. Mental training can also be called psychological skills training, and, as defined by the American Psychological Association, is a program of instruction and practice in the use of relaxation, concentration, imagery, goal setting, and energizing to enhance athletic training. A Certified Mental Performance Consultant © (CMPC) who has more than 10 years of field experience working with endurance and team athletes designed the mental training protocol. The mental training protocol was video recorded to ensure consistent delivery to participants.The mental training intervention consisted of four videos containing exercises for participants to use to enhance their performance: an introduction to mental skills training and breathing techniques to reduce stress and anxiety while allowing increased confidence and feelings of well-being (Wilson and Taylor 