Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To identify and synthesize evidence on mental imagery (and imagery-based methods) in competitive gymnasts, evaluate effects on performance and relevant psychological/psychophysiological correlates, and appraise methodological quality and important intervention features. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched. Eligible studies included competitive gymnasts from any FIG discipline examining imagery as an intervention/exposure or as an imagery construct associated with performance-relevant outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 for randomized studies and ROBINS-I for non-randomized/observational. Results were synthesized narratively by study design, imagery approach, and outcome domain. RESULTS: Searches yielded 393 records; 258 unique records were screened; 46 full texts were assessed; and 16 studies were included. Interventions varied (script-based imagery, PETTLEP-informed imagery, video observation plus imagery, and multi-component psychological skills training). Several controlled/quasi-controlled studies reported improved gymnastics-related performance outcomes (judged skill execution or sport-specific performance indices) with imagery-based approaches, whereas others found no performance benefit despite improvements in psychological variables (e.g., self-confidence). Effects appeared moderated by expertise level, sequencing/dose, and outcome choice. Across RoB 2 studies, 0/8 (0%) were overall low risk, 4/8 (50%) had some concerns, and 4/8 (50%) were high risk, with the most frequent domain drivers being randomization process, outcome measurement, and selective reporting. Across ROBINS-I studies, 2/8 (25%) were moderate, 5/8 (62.5%) serious, and 1/8 (12.5%) critical, driven mainly by confounding, then outcome measurement and selective reporting. CONCLUSION: Imagery is a potentially useful adjunct to gymnastics training, but effects are inconsistent and implementation- and athlete-dependent. Higher-quality, transparently reported trials using standardized, competition-relevant outcomes are needed. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework (osf/io/a9tj6; Date: 25/01/2026).