Background: There is evidence that mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) can help one to recover from mental fatigue (MF). Although the strength model of self-control explains the processes underlying MF and the model of mindfulness and de-automatization explains how mindfulness training promotes adaptive self-regulation leading to the recovery of MF, a systematic overview detailing the effects of MBI on the recovery of MF is still lacking. Thus, this systematic review aims to discuss the influences of MBI on the recovery of MF. Methods: We used five databases, namely, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for articles published up to 24 September 2021, using a combination of keywords related to MBI and MF. Results: Eight articles fulfilled all the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. The MBI directly attenuated MF and positively affected the recovery of psychology (attention, aggression and mind-wandering) and sports performance (handgrip, plank exercise and basketball free throw) under MF. However, the interaction did not reach statistical significance for the plank exercise. Therefore, the experience and duration of mindfulness are necessary factors for the success of MBI. Conclusions: mindfulness appears to be most related to a reduction in MF. Future research should focus on improving the methodological rigor of MBI to confirm these results and on identifying facets of mindfulness that are most effective for attenuating MF.

This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HIIT on basketball players' physical fitness and skill-related performance. This study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of HIIT on basketball players. The databases searched included Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus (up to 4 March 2024). The meta-analysis used a random-effects model, with effect sizes (ES) calculated for various performance outcomes. A total of 15 studies, with a low risk of bias or some concerns of bias, including 369 players (130 females, 239 males) at the developmental level, national level, and international level, were included in the systematic review, with 7 of these included in the meta-analysis. The systematic review indicated that HIIT significantly improved cardiovascular endurance, power, change of direction (COD) ability, linear sprint, and basketball skill-related performance. However, the effects on certain physical aspects such as VO2max, the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR 1), jump tests, ball throw test, 20-m COD sprint test, T-test, 20-m linear sprint, and basketball-specific skills such as shooting accuracy and passing were inconsistent. The meta-analysis revealed a very large effect on the Yo-Yo IR 1 (ES = 2.32; p = 0.000), a moderate effect on VO2max (ES = 0.90; p = 0.000), T-test performance (ES = 0.91; p = 0.000), and CMJ height (ES = 0.76; p = 0.000), and a small effect on the 20-m sprint test (ES = 0.59; p = 0.006). HIIT appears to be an effective training method for improving general physical fitness and certain basketball-specific skills, particularly endurance, power, and agility. However, its impact on more skill-specific aspects, such as shooting accuracy and passing, requires further investigation. Coaches should consider supplementing HIIT with targeted skill training and carefully plan its timing, ideally incorporating HIIT during pre-season or off-season periods for optimal effectiveness. Further research is needed to explore the differential effects of HIIT across various age groups and playing levels.

Objective: The detrimental effects of mental fatigue (MF) have been established in sports, such as soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Mindfulness interventions are considered a promising method to help players counteract MF, but whether it could improve basketball tactical performance after MF in competition is not clear. This study aims to investigate the effect of brief mindfulness intervention on basketball tactical performance under MF. Method: This study employed a cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) design. It involved 54 male basketball players aged 18 to 24 from three universities. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control group (CG), mental fatigue group (MFG), and mental fatigue-mindfulness group (MF-MG). Players in the MFG and MF-MG underwent a 30-minute Stroop task to induce MF. Subsequently, players in the MF-MG engaged in a 30-minute audio mindfulness intervention. Basketball tactical performance was assessed in the small side games (SSG). Results: There were no significant differences in total tactics observed across groups and over time. However, when examining specific tactical sub-variables, significant differences were found in ball reversal, dribble penetration into the key area, and off-ball screen between the CG and MFG in the post-test. Furthermore, significant differences were noted in ball reversal, dribble penetration into the key area, on-ball screen, and off-ball screen between the MFG and MF-MG in the post-test. Conclusion: The basketball tactical performances, particularly in areas such as ball reversal, dribble penetration into the key area, on-ball screen, and off-ball screen, were negatively impacted by MF. Notably, the brief mindfulness intervention effectively restored these performance aspects. This suggests that coaches and trainers should place increased emphasis on players’ mental well-being and consider incorporating brief mindfulness interventions into their training programs. More studies that investigate mindfulness intervention on the comprehensive aspects of basketball performance should be focused on in the future.

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