Effect of Mental Training on Psychophysiological Response, Selected Physical Fitness and Psychological Skills ın Football Players

This study investigates the effects of mental training on football players' heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), flexibility, agility, reaction time, and psychological skills. The originality of the research lies in its holistic approach, combining psychophysiological, physical, and psychological measurements. The study assumes that integrating mental training with physical exercises enhances athletic performance and ensures its stability. Using a convenience sampling method, 30 football players were divided equally into experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in a 40-minute mental training program twice a week for 12 weeks alongside their regular physical training, while the control group continued only with physical training. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences between the groups in HR and flexibility. However, the experimental group showed significant improvements in HRV, heart-mind coherence (including its maximum value), agility, reaction time, and scores on the Athletic Psychological Skills Inventory (APSI) (p<0.01). Within the control group, pre-posttest comparisons showed limited improvements in flexibility and two APSI sub-dimensions—being open to learning and performing under pressure (p<0.05)—but no changes in other measures. In conclusion, the mental training program positively influenced HRV, heart-mind coherence, agility, reaction time, and key psychological skills, although it had no effect on HR or flexibility. These findings suggest that mental training can significantly contribute to enhancing athletic performance.