Research · Forschung
Current research, open access via Zenodo, referenced through ORCID 0009-0007-0485-9452. Updated daily.
Working paper · 8 September 2026
Mirco Schieren
Background: The pursuit of peak performance in elite sport necessitates not only supreme physical conditioning but also exceptional psychological resilience and attentional control. Traditional training paradigms have often prioritised physiological aspects, yet the role of mental factors as determinants of success is increasingly recognised. Relaxation techniques, particularly meditation, have emerged as a potent intervention for enhancing mental fortitude. Aim: This paper aims to synthesise the theoretical and empirical evidence regarding the application of meditation and related relaxation practices to optimise performance, manage competitive anxiety, and foster psychological well-being in elite athletes. Approach: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, integrating findings from sport psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative sciences. The paper examines the mechanisms through which meditation exerts its effects, reviews the current evidence base, and discusses its practical application in high-performance settings. Findings: A substantial body of evidence supports the efficacy of meditation in improving key psychological variables correlated with peak performance. These include enhanced attentional focus, superior emotional and physiological arousal regulation, reduced trait and state anxiety, and accelerated recovery from stress. Neuroscientific findings indicate that meditation induces functional and structural brain changes in networks associated with self-regulation and interoception, providing a neurobiological basis for these performance enhancements. Athletes report subjective improvements in flow states, resilience, and overall well-being. Implications: The integration of structured meditation protocols into elite athletic training regimens offers a significant, evidence-based advantage. It provides athletes with a portable, non-pharmacological tool for mental skills development, contributing not only to competitive success but also to
Meditation · Elite Sport · Peak Performance · Mindfulness · Arousal Regulation · Stress Resilience
Working paper · 16 July 2026
Mirco Schieren
Background: For millennia, mantra-based meditation practices, including Transcendental Meditation (TM), have been central to various contemplative traditions. In recent decades, these techniques have become a focus of rigorous scientific investigation, primarily within the field of stress medicine. Aim: This paper aims to synthesise the current evidence on the physiological and psychological effects of TM and related mantra-based meditation techniques, with a specific focus on their impact on mental and physical health. Methods: This paper conducts a comprehensive review of the canonical literature, including seminal works from key researchers such as Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School. It examines the empirical findings from psychophysiological studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses. The paper follows the established LCAMH Research Paper Standard, structuring the analysis across 13 distinct sections, from a historical background to an evaluation of clinical applications and future research directions. Findings: The evidence substantiates the claim that regular practice of TM and similar mantra-based techniques elicits the "Relaxation Response," a specific physiological state characterised by decreased sympathetic nervous system activity and increased parasympathetic tone. Clinically significant benefits are reported in the management of hypertension, anxiety disorders, and stress-related conditions. The consistency of these findings has established mantra meditation as a legitimate subject of neuropsychological and medical research. Implications: The findings have significant implications for clinical practice and public health, suggesting that these ancient techniques can be integrated into contemporary healthcare as effective, low-cost, non-pharmacological interventions for a range of stress-mediated pathologies. Further research is warranted to refine their application and explore their full therapeutic potential.
Transcendental Meditation · Mantra · Relaxation Response · Herbert Benson · Stress Medicine · Psychophysiology