MAIC training reduces psychological stress and improves subjective sleep quality in elite swimmers
An 8-week Mindfulness-Acceptance-Insight-Commitment (MAIC) program embedded in routine high-load training significantly reduced athlete-specific psychological stress and salivary cortisol, and improved subjective sleep quality (PSQI) and mindfulness in elite swimmers compared to usual-practice controls. Improvements in psychological stress and mindfulness persisted at three-month follow-up, while lower cortisol and better sleep quality remained relative to controls.
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MAIC training reduces psychological stress and improves subjective sleep quality in elite swimmers The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
MAIC training reduces psychological stress and improves subjective sleep quality in elite swimmers
This conclusion is most relevant to: 30 elite swimmers from a provincial high-performance program in China (n=15 per group).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effects of Mindfulness-Acceptance-Insight-Commitment (MAIC) Training on Stress and Sleep Quality in Elite Swimmers: A Randomized Controlled Mixed-Methods Trial. (Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Attentional resets
- ▸Acceptance-based responses to discomfort
- ▸Brief post-session or pre-sleep practices
- ▸Regulation of cognitive reactivity and arousal leading to improved sleep quality
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸30 elite swimmers from a provincial high-performance program in China (n=15 per group)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Small sample size (n=30 total)
- ▸Single-center study in one Chinese provincial program, limiting generalizability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MAIC training?▼
MAIC stands for Mindfulness-Acceptance-Insight-Commitment, a culturally grounded psychological training program adapted for athletes.
How long did the MAIC intervention last?▼
The intervention lasted 8 weeks, embedded within routine high-load training.
Did the benefits of MAIC persist after the program ended?▼
Yes, improvements in psychological stress and mindfulness remained evident at three-month follow-up relative to baseline, and lower cortisol and better sleep quality remained relative to the control group.
What sleep measure was used?▼
Subjective sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
References
- 1.Su N, Zhang B, Zhou X, Hu J, Liang W, Wang D. “Effects of Mindfulness-Acceptance-Insight-Commitment (MAIC) Training on Stress and Sleep Quality in Elite Swimmers: A Randomized Controlled Mixed-Methods Trial..” Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 2026. PMID: 42510189 DOI: 10.3390/bs16071068