A Flow Intervention for Runners: Mixed-Method Evaluation

Flow states are associated with highly desirable outcomes including increased performance, well-being, and intrinsic rewards, making it sought after in sport and exercise. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a flow intervention for runners (guided by an intervention development protocol), using a mixed-method design including a mixed 2 (group) x 2 (run) experimental design supplemented by qualitative data from event-focused interviews. Twenty Australian runners (six female, 14 male; M-age = 29.65 years, SD = 7.95) completed two 20-min runs on a self-paced treadmill. Participants were randomly assigned to a control (n = 10) or intervention group (n = 10). All participants completed a 20-min baseline run (with the goal to "run at a comfortable pace for 20 min"). The control group completed their second run following the same baseline instructions. The intervention group completed their second run following a protocol that incorporated a combination of open goals (i.e., "see how far you can run in 20 min"), performance feedback, and individualized metronome tempo. Measures included flow, distance run within 20 min, perceptions of challenge, and confidence during the run. A semistructured interview was conducted at the conclusion of the intervention. No significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups; however, the qualitative data suggest that participants in both groups experienced periods of flow. Importantly, the mixed-methods approach enabled exploration of how and why flow occurred in both conditions. This study provides key considerations for the future development and evaluation of flow interventions in sport and exercise.