Introduction Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy was originally developed to relieve distress related to traumatic memories (Shapiro., 1989a; 1989b). EMDR has been used to treat Post-Traumatic Stress and has proven its effectiveness in over twenty-four randomised trials (Shapiro, 2018). The EMDR Therapy sessions include compassion-focused interweaves if required for self-criticism or low self-worth if this comes up during the EMDR Therapy processing sessions. An initial qualitative study explored whether performance anxiety existed in five highly trained and elite cyclists. Some cyclists perceived self-criticism as a positive strategy for performance, but others perceived self-criticism as negative and felt that it impacted their cycling preparation and performance. Some cyclists found that having a crash affected their performance times and created hesitation when training or racing. A pilot study is being completed of cyclists who reported intrusive images of crashes which are continuing in the present and whose symptoms reached a subclinical level. These volunteers received five to six 1-hour sessions of virtual EMDR Therapy. Methods The effect of EMDR is examined using a multiple baseline across subject`s design which means that the participants are assigned to baseline and post-treatment measurements at different time points. The diagnostic treatment measurements administered are evidence-based and include measurement instruments which are specific to sport. Assessments are being made pre-, midway, immediately post-therapy, and at three months and six months post-therapy. Results This study is ongoing and full results of the pilot study will be available for presentation in June 2024. Conclusions Initial results are promising, and the intervention has been shown to have a treatment effect.
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