Session Frequency Matters in Neurofeedback Training of Athletes

C, Domingos; M, Peralta; P, Prazeres; W, Nan; A, Rosa; JG, Pereira

Abstract:

Neurofeedback training has been an increasingly used technique and is taking its first steps in sport. Being at an embryonic stage, it is difficult to find consensus regarding the applied methodology to achieve the best results. This study focused on understanding one of the major methodological issues—the training session frequency. The aim of the investigation was to understand if there are differences between performing two sessions or three sessions per week in enhancement of alpha activity and improvement of cognition; and in case there are differences, infer the best protocol. Forty-five athletes were randomly assigned to the three-session-training-per-week group, the two-session-training-per-week group and a control group. The results showed that neurofeedback training with three sessions per week was more effective in increase of alpha amplitude during neurofeedback training than two sessions per week. Furthermore, only the three-session-per-week group showed significant enhancement in N-back and oddball performance after training. The findings suggested more condensed training protocol lead to better outcomes, providing guidance on neurofeedback protocol design in order to optimize training efficacy.

Patologie/Applicazioni:

• Riabilitazione motoria
• Bio – Neurofeedback (NFB)
• Sport

Anno:

2021

Tipo di pubblicazione:

Articolo

Parola chiave:

Neurofeedback; Attività Alpha; Performance sportive; Atleti

Testata scientifica:

Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback

Nota:

45 atleti sono stati suddivisi in 3 gruppi di indagine di cui uno prevedeva tre sessioni a settimana di trattamento NFB, uno due sessioni a settimana ed un gruppo di controllo. I risultati hanno dimostrato che gli atleti che sono stati sottoposti per tre volte a settimana al training di NFB hanno evidenziato un aumento efficace dell'espressione Alpha rispetto a quelli che sono stati sottoposti a due training a settimana. Per di più, solo il gruppo che è stato sottoposto a tre sessioni ha mostrato un miglioramento complessivo nelle performance sportive successive.

DOI:

10.1007/s10484-021-09505-3