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Neurofeedback for Peak Performance Training
Abstract
Neurofeedback has been found to be effective in the treatment of a number of clinical disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD) (Lubar, 2003), obsessive-compulsive disorder (Hammond, 2003), seizures (Sterman, 2000), and substance abuse (Burkett, Cummins, Dickson, & Skolnick, 2005; Saxby & Peniston, 1995). The benefits of neurofeedback have also been found useful in peak performance training. These benefits include improving attention/concentration, imagery, arousal level, and decreasing worry and rumination (Williams, 2006). The combination of cognitive, emotional, and psychophysiological benefits from neurofeedback results in improved performance. Due to individual differences in brain activity, as well as the large diversity of skills required in different sports, neurofeedback for performance training is not a “one size fits all” approach (Wilson, Thompson, Thompson, & Peper, 2011). In order to obtain optimal results, neurofeedback for peak performance training begins with appropriate assessment and evaluation of an individual's brain wave (electroencephalographic) activity. Individualized training plans are based upon the assessment findings and the specific needs of the targeted sport or activity (Wilson et al., 2011). This article will discuss the benefits and applications of neurofeedback for peak performance training and the importance of assessment to create effective training programs.
... Further, in the present study we used an action video-game skill to simulate an open environment skill, as previous research has been focused on closed environment and self-paced skills (Bertollo et al., 2020;Hatfield, 2018;Vickers & Williams, 2017). Therefore, our main aim was to examine whether practice of an open skill video-game task would lead to changes in theta, alpha, and beta power, as there is consensus that optimal performance in motor tasks is a multidimensional phenomenon manifested in different brain rhythms (see Cheron et al., 2016;Milton et al., 2007;Pacheco, 2016). Congruent with the aforementioned evidence supporting the neural proficiency hypothesis, we expected to observe a complex pattern of results, highlighted by both increases and decreases in brain rhythms across the scalp from pre-to post-test. ...
... Suppressing task-irrelevant information is essential in open skill environments, wherein performers must be able to attend to the right cues at the right time so to make accurate decisions (Tenenbaum et al., 2013). More generally, increased alpha activity in the cortex has been associated with a relaxed mental state which, in turn, is linked to optimal rather than sub-optimal performance Cheron et al., 2016;Hatfield, 2018Hatfield, , 2020Pacheco 2016). ...
... From an applied standpoint, findings of this research echo the notion that neurofeedback training must be tailored to the specific task, context, and individual performer (Pacheco, 2016). More specifically, our findings suggest that skilled execution of a video gaming motor task is associated with the activation of specific brain networks. ...
We examined whether practice in an open skill video-game task would lead to changes in performance, attention, motivation, perceived effort, and theta, alpha, and beta waves. Specifically, we were interested on whether potential performance gains from practice would be primarily explained by the neural efficiency (i.e., cortical idling) or the neural proficiency hypothesis (i.e., mix of heightened and reduced activation across the cortex). To this end, we asked 16 novice participants (8 males and 8 females; Mage = 23.13 years) to play a Nintendo Wii video-game shooting task, namely Link’s Crossbow Training. Pre-test scores, which were followed by an acquisition phase, were compared to post-test scores. Performance and subjective data were recorded for each trial and EEG data was continuously recorded using the portable EEGO System. Our findings revealed that performance increased while attention decreased at post-test, thereby confirming that practice leads to performance gains and reduces attentional overload. No changes in motivation or perceived effort were observed, perhaps because effort is a gestalt multidimension construct and video-gaming is an inherently motivating activity. EEG frequency analysis revealed that, for the most part, performance gains were accompanied by increased cortical activity across frequencies bands, thus lending primary support to the neural proficiency hypothesis. Accordingly, neurofeedback interventions to aid motor learning should teach performers not only how to silence their brains (i.e., quiescence state linked to automaticity and “flow”) but also how to amplify task-relevant brain networks.
... Relevant to the present study, these characteristics of optimal Communicated by Bill J Yates. performance are thought to be underpinned by neural mechanisms (Holmes and Wrigh, 2017;Pacheco 2016;Yarrow et al. 2009). ...
... For difficult tasks, they observed that individuals needed to recruit more cortical resources to perform at an optimal level. Moreover, recent empirical studies revealed that increased theta activity in the frontal lobe, a marker of "brain busy-ness" (see Pacheco 2016), underpins optimal performance experiences in both motor and cognitive tasks Katahira et al. 2018). In light of this emerging evidence, scholars have recently proposed the neural proficiency hypothesis (Bertollo et al. , 2020. ...
... Second, EEG is one of the most commonly used brain-imaging methods in sports because of its portability and high ecological validity (Holmes and Wright 2017;Yarrow et al. 2009). Third, EEG power frequency spectrum analysis is very relevant to inform applied neurofeedback interventions aiming to increase the probability of optimal performance experiences (Pacheco 2016;Strack et al. 2011;Xiang et al. 2018). To this extent, there is consensus that optimal performance experiences in sports are a multidimensional phenomenon indexed in the brain by different brain rhythms, particularly alpha (relaxation), beta (sensory-motor integration) and theta (focused attention) waves (Cheron et al. 2016;Pacheco 2016). ...
We examined changes in brain rhythms in relation to optimal performance in self-paced sports. Eight studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, representing 153 participants and eight different sports. We found that (a) optimal performance is characterised by increased alpha (g = .62, p = .02) and theta (g = .74, p = .002) across the cortex; (b) during optimal performance the frontal lobe is more relaxed (higher alpha; g = 1.06, p = .18) and less busy (lower theta; g = .38, p = .08), in comparison to the other brain lobes; (c) for the same given task, experts’ brains are more relaxed (higher alpha, g = .89, p = .34) and less busy (lower theta, g = .91, p = .54) than novices’ brains. Theoretically, our findings suggest that neural efficiency, neural proficiency, and transient hypofrontality are likely complementary neural mechanisms that underpin optimal performance. In practice, neurofeedback training should teach athletes how to amplify and suppress their alpha and theta activity across the brain during all movement stages.
... Finally, researchers have used the expert-novice paradigm to inform a great deal of EEG research, by comparing experts with novices and/or best with worst performance experiences . `R eviews on neural efficiency in sports have concluded that expert performance is characterized by a complex psychophysiological state, which is indexed by different brain waves (Bertollo et al. 2020;Cheron et al. 2016a, b;Hatfield 2018;Pacheco 2016). Specifically, when performing well, athletes are relaxed (i.e., alpha peak) and focused (i.e., low beta and theta ratio). ...
... Specifically, when performing well, athletes are relaxed (i.e., alpha peak) and focused (i.e., low beta and theta ratio). Although several reviews on the topic of neural efficiency and motor performance exist (Bertollo et al. 2020;Hatfield 2018;Hatfield et al. 2020;Li and Smith 2021;Pacheco 2016;Yarrow et al. 2009), they have favored breadth as opposed to depth of knowledge (Filho et al. 2021). Here, we have narrowed the focus of our review to studies examining the alpha-band coherence (8-12 Hz) between a specific verbal-analytic (T7; former T3 channel, see Acharya et al. 2016) and motor planning (Fz) pathway. ...
We examined whether the alpha-band coherence between the T7-Fz (verbal analytical-motor planning) brain areas were related to superior performance in sports. We searched for related papers across eight databases: ProQuest Central, ProQuest Psychology Journals, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science using relevant keywords (i.e., EEG AND sports AND coherence). Seven studies, with a total of 194 participants, met our inclusion criteria and were shortlisted for statistical analysis. We compared EEG coherence data for both within-subject and between-subject experimental designs. Our analysis revealed that athletes had lower coherence in the T7-Fz brain pathway for alpha- band activation (Hedges’ g = − 0.54; p = 0.03) when performing better. Theoretically, these results corroborate the notion that athletes become more “neurally efficient” as the verbal and motor areas of their brains function more independently, i.e., the neural efficiency hypothesis. Accordingly, athletes who can limit verbal interference are more likely to perform a sporting task successfully.
... Sensorimotor rhythms (SMR) are thought to reflect the suppression of somatosensory processing in the parietal cortex to maintain an optimized state for task processing efficiency. 13,20,[35][36][37][38] The results in Figure S1a may indicate an increase in performance of automatic visuomotor action by sensory-motor rhythms in the preround period, independent of changes in the match situation. Although theta oscillations are important in optimizing the performance of single action, 20,23,39,40 theta oscillations did not change with win/loss in any pre-round period. ...
... Parietal beta activity was observed over almost the entire preround period (À7.5 s-0.0 s). Maintaining an idling state 13,20,[35][36][37][38] for visuomotor activity from one round to the next via the SMR may be useful in a match consisting of multiple rounds. ...
In competitive matches, strategic decisions and emotional control are important. Relevant cognitive functions and corresponding neural activities in simple and short-term laboratory tasks have been reported. Brain resources are intensively allocated in the frontal cortex during strategic decision-making. The suppression of the frontal cortex with alpha-synchronization optimizes emotional control. However, no studies have reported the contribution of neural activity to the outcome of a more complex and prolonged task. To clarify this issue, we focused on a fighting video game following a two-round first-pass system. Frontal high-gamma and alpha power in the first and third pre-round periods, respectively, were found to be increased in a winning match. Furthermore, inter-participant variations in the importance of strategic decisions and emotional control in the first and third pre-round periods were correlated with frontal high-gamma and alpha power, respectively. Therefore, the psychological and mental state, involving frontal neural fluctuations, is predictive of match outcome.
... Finally, researchers have used the expert-novice paradigm to inform a great deal of EEG research, by comparing experts with novices and/or best with worst performance experiences . `R eviews on neural efficiency in sports have concluded that expert performance is characterized by a complex psychophysiological state, which is indexed by different brain waves (Bertollo et al. 2020;Cheron et al. 2016a, b;Hatfield 2018;Pacheco 2016). Specifically, when performing well, athletes are relaxed (i.e., alpha peak) and focused (i.e., low beta and theta ratio). ...
... Specifically, when performing well, athletes are relaxed (i.e., alpha peak) and focused (i.e., low beta and theta ratio). Although several reviews on the topic of neural efficiency and motor performance exist (Bertollo et al. 2020;Hatfield 2018;Hatfield et al. 2020;Li and Smith 2021;Pacheco 2016;Yarrow et al. 2009), they have favored breadth as opposed to depth of knowledge (Filho et al. 2021). Here, we have narrowed the focus of our review to studies examining the alpha-band coherence (8-12 Hz) between a specific verbal-analytic (T7; former T3 channel, see Acharya et al. 2016) and motor planning (Fz) pathway. ...
We examined whether the alpha band-coherence between the T7-Fz (verbal analytical-motor planning) brain areas were related to superior performance in sports. We searched for related papers across eight databases: ProQuest Central, ProQuest Psychology Journals, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science using relevant keywords (i.e., EEG AND sports AND coherence). Seven studies, with a total of 194 participants, met our inclusion criteria and were shortlisted for statistical analysis. We compared EEG coherence data for both within-subject and between-subject experimental designs. Results indicated that athletes had lower coherence in T7-Fz brain pathway for alpha band activation (Hedges’ g = -.54; p = .03) when performing better. Theoretically, these results corroborate the notion that athletes become more “neurally efficient” as the verbal and motor areas of their brains function more independently, i.e., the neural efficiency hypothesis. Accordingly, athletes who can limit verbal interference are more likely to perform a sporting task successfully.
... Thus, examining the EEG power frequency spectrum would advance knowledge of the neural correlates that underpin performance while also providing important information for applied neuro-feedback interventions (Pacheco, 2016;Xiang et al., 2018) and neuromodulatory strategies aimed at increasing the probability of optimal performance experiences (Morya et al., 2019;Moreira et al., 2021a). Therefore, adopting the qEEG index ratio between slower and faster frequencies such as the Delta Alpha Ratio (DAR), the Power Ratio Index (PRI; delta + theta/alpha + beta), and the Theta/Beta Ratio (TBR) (Brito et al., 2021) would advance this knowledge in elite athletes. ...
... In this sense, it should be highlighted that recent studies have reported an increased theta activity in the frontal lobe under-pinning optimal performance experiences in motor and cognitive tasks Katahira et al., 2018) and proposed that this increase in theta activity is considered a marker of "brain busyness" (Pacheco, 2016). Furthermore, Bertollo et al. (2016) proposed an alternative framework for the neural efficiency hypothesis, which has been called the neural proficiency hypothesis. ...
Differentiated brain activation in high-performance athletes supports neuronal mechanisms relevant to sports performance. Preparation for the motor action involves cortical and sub-cortical regions that can be non-invasively modulated by electrical current stimulation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on electrical brain activity in professional female basketball players during free-throw shooting. Successful free-throw shooting (n = 2,361) from seven professional female basketball players was analyzed during two experimental conditions (HD-tDCS cathodic and sham) separated by 72 h. Three spectral bio-markers, Power Ratio Index (PRI), Delta Alpha Ratio (DAR), and Theta Beta Ratio (TBR) were measured (electroencephalography [EEG] Brain Products). Multi-channel HD-tDCS was applied for 20 min, considering current location and intensity for cathodic stimulation: FCC1h, AFF5h, AFF1h (−0.5 mA each), and FCC5h (ground). The within EEG analyses (pre and post HD-tDCS) of frontal channels (Fp1, Fp2, F3, F4, FC1, FC3) for 1 second epoch pre-shooting, showed increases in PRI (p < 0.001) and DAR (p < 0.001) for HD-tDCS cathodic condition, and in TBR for both conditions (cathodic, p = 0.01; sham, p = 0.002). Sub-group analysis divided the sample into less (n = 3; LSG) and more (n = 4; MSG) stable free-throw-shooting performers and revealed that increases in pre to post HD-tDCS in PRI only occurred for the LSG. These results suggest that the effect of HD-tDCS may induce changes in slow frontal frequency brain activities and that this alteration seems to be greater for players demonstrating a less stable free-throw shooting performance.
... In Game 3, we also observed a global increase in alpha activity and decrease in beta cortical activity, which are indicative of less brain "busy-ness" and skilled motor performance, akin to the neural efficiency hypothesis (see Bertollo et al. 2016;Grabner et al. 2006;Pacheco 2016). In this regard, previous research suggests that peaks of alpha activity (more relaxation) and less beta power (increased automaticity) are observed across the whole brain as individuals become more proficient in a given task and/or are subjected to less work overload Pacheco 2016). ...
... In Game 3, we also observed a global increase in alpha activity and decrease in beta cortical activity, which are indicative of less brain "busy-ness" and skilled motor performance, akin to the neural efficiency hypothesis (see Bertollo et al. 2016;Grabner et al. 2006;Pacheco 2016). In this regard, previous research suggests that peaks of alpha activity (more relaxation) and less beta power (increased automaticity) are observed across the whole brain as individuals become more proficient in a given task and/or are subjected to less work overload Pacheco 2016). We also observed large increases of theta power activity across the whole brain from Game 1 to Game 2 to Game 3, further suggesting that more focused attention is needed over time likely because teammates develop task and team-related knowledge (Cooke et al. 2000;Filho and Rettig 2018;Filho and Tenenbaum 2020;Mohammed et al. 2010Mohammed et al. , 2017, which form the basis for team coordination. ...
To advance knowledge on the psychophysiological markers of “coordination cost” in team settings, we explored differences in meta-communication patterns (i.e., silence, speaking, listening, and overlap), perceived psychological states (i.e., core affect, attention, efficacy beliefs), heart rate variability (i.e., RMSSD), and brain rhythms (i.e., alpha, beta and theta absolute power) across three studies involving 48 male dyads (Mage = 21.30; SD = 2.03). Skilled participants cooperatively played three consecutive FIFA-17 (Xbox) games in a dyad against the computer, or competed against the computer in a solo condition and a dyad condition. We observed that playing in a team, in contrast to playing alone, was associated with higher alpha peak and global efficiency in the brain and, at the same time, led to an increase in focused attention as evidenced by participants’ higher theta activity in the frontal lobe. Moreover, we observed that overtime participants’ brain dynamics moved towards a state of “neural-efficiency”, characterized by increased theta and beta activity in the frontal lobe, and high alpha activity across the whole brain. Our findings advance the literature by demonstrating that (1) the notion of coordination cost can be captured at the neural level in the initial stages of team development; (2) by decreasing the costs of switching between tasks, teamwork increases both individuals’ attentional focus and global neural efficiency; and (3) communication dynamics become more proficient and individuals’ brain patterns change towards neural efficiency over time, likely due to team learning and decreases in intra-team conflict.
... Noteworthy, three manuscripts included in this issue were on either BFB or NFB interventions. Applied researchers are interested in both BFB and NFB because these methods have been shown to positively influence sport performance (Pacheco, 2016;Pagaduan et al., 2020). Moreover, BFB and NFB allow for self-paced practice while also providing multimedia and multimodal stimuli, which, in turn, can aid motivation and retention in both clinical and nonclinical populations (Filho, 2015). ...
Psychophysiology pertains to the study of the reciprocal and “many to many” relations between the mind and the body. Accordingly, this special issue includes a collection of articles examining psychophysiological mechanisms implicated in the performance and well-being of athletes and exercisers. More specifically, this issue contains a literature review on the effects of heart rate variability biofeedback and athletic performance, as well as two empirical articles on the effects of neurofeedback on myriad psychological variables, such as attentional focus, anxiety, stress, and depression. There is also a paper on the effects of a self-talk intervention on free-throw performance in basketball and somatic reactions and a novel study on the effects of repeated transcranial direct current stimulation on decision making among soccer players. Collectively, the articles included in this issue advance our understanding of how psychophysiological theories and methodologies can inform the development of applied interventions in sport, exercise, and performance psychology.
... The "relaxed brain" neural marker is characterized by increased alpha activity across the cortex, which inhibits brain areas unrelated to the task at hand, particularly in the frontal lobe where the highest alpha and lowest theta activity are found (Filho et al., 2021). These findings support those of previous studies demonstrating that a relaxed and focused brain is essential for optimal sports performance (Pacheco, 2016;Bertollo et al., 2020;Hatfield et al., 2020). Although theta activity may indicate the need and timing of cognitive control, it may not necessarily play a functional role in downstream signaling. ...
Introduction
Self-efficacy (SE), defined as an individual's belief in their ability to complete a task, is linked to top-down attentional control, influencing motor performance in sports. Although the behavioral effects of SE are well-documented, there is a lack of research on the mechanisms through which SE affects sports performance. Our research aims to elucidate the neurophysiological mechanisms that underlie the impact of self-efficacy on sports performance. Specifically, we intend to explore the effects of low and high SE on frontal midline theta (Fmθ) activity, associated with sustained top-down attention, and on motor performance.
Methods
We recruited thirty-four professional golfers to perform 60 putts, during which their electroencephalographic activity was monitored. SE levels were assessed using a visual analog scale from 0 to 10 before each putt, with scores categorized into higher or lower SE based on each golfer's individual average score.
Results
Paired t-tests indicated that trials with higher SE scores had a higher putting success rate than those with lower SE scores (53.3% vs. 46.7%). Furthermore, trials associated with higher SE scores exhibited lower Fmθ activity compared to those with lower SE scores (4.49 vs. 5.18).
Discussion
Our results suggest that higher SE is associated with reduced top-down attentional control, leading to improved putting performance. These findings support Bandura's theory of SE, which suggests that the effects of efficacy beliefs are mediated by cognitive, motivational, emotional, and decision-making processes. This study sheds light on the intermediate processes of SE by examining its impact on the anticipation of outcomes, sports performance, and attentional control prior to putting.
... Objective psychophysiological data monitoring is particularly relevant to the design and implementation of biofeedback interventions to improve performance and well-being in sport settings (Filho, 2015). In this regard, extant previous research has suggested that biofeedback and neurofeedback interventions targeting different body channels (e.g., brain waves, heart rate [HR] variability) are effective for performance enhancement in sports (for reviews see Morgan & Mora, 2017;Pacheco, 2016;Xiang et al., 2018). ...
Putting is paramount to performance in golf and differentiates low and high achievers in the sport. In the present study, we compared the heart rate, respiration rate, and galvanic skin response for missed and holed putts performed by 13 skilled male golfers from a 12-ft (3.65-m) distance. Contrary to our expectations, no significant effects were observed for heart rate and respiration rate, likely because skilled athletes (a) engage in preperformance routines and are able to control their breathing rhythms, which in turn influence their heart rate; and (b) physiological responses are idiosyncratic, akin to the Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning framework. Congruent with our expectations, we observed a significant effect for galvanic skin response, with higher values observed for missed putts. This effect was robust to individual differences and suggests that biofeedback interventions aimed at enhancing awareness of autonomous physiological responses can be beneficial for performance enhancement in golf putting.
... A large portion of these JMHC articles focused on ADHD (e.g., Hall & Gushee, 2002), while others included topics such as: exercise as a counseling intervention (Okonski, 2003); holistic counseling techniques for clients with traumatic brain injury (e.g., Patterson & Staton, 2009); neuroscience-informed cognitive behavioral therapy (Field, Beeson, & Jones, 2015;Field et al., 2016); mind-body techniques in integrated primary care settings (Glueck, 2015); beliefs about the use of mind-body practices (Nichols, 2015); neuroscience principles aligning with reality therapy (Wubbolding, 2015); neurofeedback specialty practice Pacheco, 2016); the inflammatory hypothesis of depressive disorders ; experiences learning interpersonal neurobiology (Miller & Barrio-Minton, 2016); and brain-based psychoeducation (Miller, 2016). Notwithstanding the quality of these manuscripts, the majority of these articles were conceptual in nature with only a few (e.g., Field et al., 2016) including an empirical evaluation of neuroscience principles in counseling. ...
Despite the growing momentum to infuse neuroscience into counseling, neuroscience-related publications are relatively scant in flagship counseling journals. In response, this January 2017 edition of the Journal of Mental Health Counseling introduces a new section entitled “Neurocounseling” that will remedy this gap in the literature. This article provides a rationale for the creation of the Neurocounseling section that includes a discussion of current trends in research initiatives, the evolution of the term neurocounseling, and the existing neuroscience-related publications in flagship counseling journals. Additionally, this article outlines the vision for the Neurocounseling section that will aid readers as they conceptualize and conduct neurocounseling research as well as prepare manuscripts for publication.
... The techniques that interns are trained on have been shown to enhance academic, athletic and artistic performance, as well as promote better health and wellbeing by reducing stress. For instance, neurofeedback can improve music performance, creativity, attentional focus, sports performance, and decrease stress in general (Egner and Gruzelier, 2003;Gruzelier, 2009;Levesque et al., 2006;Perry et al., 2011;Pacheco, 2016). In these instances, clients were trained to increase or decrease the specific EEG waveform parameters associated with improvement in either focus or stress reduction. ...
In 2015, Wilkes University's Neuroscience Program and Psychology Department established a unique training and learning center on a small liberal arts undergraduate campus - The Neuro Training & Research Center. This paper shares the purpose of the Center, as a learning tool for Neuroscience majors who engage in internships and research opportunities, and as a means of promoting well-being on the campus by offering training in techniques such as Neurofeedback, Biofeedback and Audio-Visual Entrainment to the college community. The role that the center plays in connecting real world applications to concepts in Neuroscience, and the approach that the authors have taken to assess student learning is presented in this article.
Articles published in the Journal of Mental Health Counseling (JMHC) from 2000 to 2019 were analyzed to find patterns over time in author characteristics (e.g., demographic information, work setting, and leading contributors and institutions) and article content (e.g., typology, research methodology, research design, sophistication of statistical applications, and participant characteristics). A majority of JMHC lead and total authors are women, while the proportion of practitioner authors dropped significantly over the past 20 years from nearly 15% to less than 5%. Topical content was stable, while the proportion of research articles rose significantly to more than 50% from 2000 to 2019. JMHC displayed consistency in nearly all research study characteristics, commensurate with a mature scholarly journal. Journal reporting standards were stable for sample reliability and validity. JMHC made great strides in increasing the proportion of research studies reporting effect sizes over the past 20 years and is well positioned to continue meeting the scholarly needs of the mental health community.
Introduction. Blinded, placebo-controlled research (e.g., Sterman, 2000) has documented the ability of brainwave biofeedback to recondition brain wave patterns. Neurofeedback has been used successfully with uncontrolled epilepsy, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, and head injuries. However, nothing has been published on the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with neurofeedback.Method. Quantitative EEGs were gathered on two consecutive OCD patients who sought treatment. This assessment guided protocol selection for subsequent neurofeedback training.Results. Scores on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale and the Padua Inventory normalized following treatment. An MMPI was administered pre-post to one patient, and she showed dramatic improvements not only in OCD symptoms, but also in depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, and in becoming extroverted rather than introverted and withdrawn.Discussion. In follow-ups of the two cases at 15 and 13 months after completion of treatment, both patients were maintaining improvements in OCD symptoms as measured by the Padua Inventory and as externally validated through contacts with family members. Since research has found that pharmacologic treatment of OCD produces only very modest improvements and behavior therapy utilizing exposure with response prevention is experienced as quite unpleasant and results in treatment dropouts, neurofeedback appears to have potential as a new treatment modality.
Neurofeedback may be useful for improving sports performance but few studies have examined this potential. Here we present data of five development players from a major league baseball team. The aims were to evaluate the feasibility of conducting sessions within a professional organization, assess changes in quantitative electroencephalograph (QEEG), NeuroPerformance Profile™, and report qualitative self-report data before and after brain training. The EEG was recorded with 19 electrodes for 20 min of baseline conditions and approximately 21 min of a continuous performance test. The fast Fourier transform analysis provided average cross-spectral matrices for bands delta (1-3.5 Hz), theta (4-7.5 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), low beta (13-16 Hz), beta 1 (13-21 Hz), beta 2 (22-32 Hz), and gamma (32-45 Hz) from the pre and post intervention evaluations in the baseline condition of eyes open. The continuous performance test metrics included the errors of omission, errors of commission, response time and response time variability. The 9 scales of the NeuroPerformance Profile™ were examined. The QEEG data, CPT data and NeuroPerformance Profile™ data were all compared between the pre and post 15 sessions of brain training using a within subject paired t test design corrected for multiple comparisons using false discovery rate method. Following brain training, comparative QEEG, CPT and NeuroPerformance Profile™ analyses illustrated significant differences. The QEEG findings of all participants illustrated significant changes within the training parameters but also across other frequency bands and electrode sites. Overall, the positive findings in both objective and subjective measures suggest further inquiry into the utility of brain training for performance enhancement with the specific application of sport is warranted. Particularly QEEG and CPT gains were noted in the areas that correspond to client self-report data demonstrating improvement in attention, decreased intrusive thought patterns and improvements in sleep patterns.
By enabling individuals to self-regulate their brainwave activity in the field of optimal performance in healthy individuals, neurofeedback has been found to improve cognitive and artistic performance. Here we assessed whether two distinct EEG neurofeedback protocols could develop surgical skill, given the important role this skill plays in medicine.
National Health Service trainee ophthalmic microsurgeons (N = 20) were randomly assigned to either Sensory Motor Rhythm-Theta (SMR) or Alpha-Theta (AT) groups, a randomized subset of which were also part of a wait-list 'no-treatment' control group (N = 8). Neurofeedback groups received eight 30-minute sessions of EEG training. Pre-post assessment included a skills lab surgical procedure with timed measures and expert ratings from video-recordings by consultant surgeons, together with state/trait anxiety self-reports. SMR training demonstrated advantages absent in the control group, with improvements in surgical skill according to 1) the expert ratings: overall technique (d = 0.6, p < 0.03) and suture task (d = 0.9, p < 0.02) (judges' intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.85); and 2) with overall time on task (d = 0.5, p = 0.02), while everyday anxiety (trait) decreased (d = 0.5, p < 0.02). Importantly the decrease in surgical task time was strongly associated with SMR EEG training changes (p < 0.01), especially with continued reduction of theta (4-7 Hz) power. AT training produced marginal improvements in technique and overall performance time, which were accompanied by a standard error indicative of large individual differences. Notwithstanding, successful within session elevation of the theta-alpha ratio correlated positively with improvements in overall technique (r = 0.64, p = 0.047).
SMR-Theta neurofeedback training provided significant improvement in surgical technique whilst considerably reducing time on task by 26%. There was also evidence that AT training marginally reduced total surgery time, despite suboptimal training efficacies. Overall, the data set provides encouraging evidence of optimised learning of a complex medical specialty via neurofeedback training.
Alpha-theta neurofeedback has been shown to produce professionally significant performance improvements in music students. The present study aimed to extend this work to a different performing art and compare alpha-theta neurofeedback with another form of biofeedback: heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback. Twenty-four ballroom and Latin dancers were randomly allocated to three groups, one receiving neurofeedback, one HRV biofeedback and one no intervention. Dance was assessed before and after training. Performance improvements were found in the biofeedback groups but not in the control group. Neurofeedback and HRV biofeedback benefited performance in different ways. A replication with larger sample sizes is required.
Historically, pharmacological treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been considered to be the only type of interventions effective for reducing the core symptoms of this condition. However, during the past three decades, a series of case and controlled group studies examining the effects of EEG biofeedback have reported improved attention and behavioral control, increased cortical activation on quantitative electroencephalographic examination, and gains on tests of intelligence and academic achievement in response to this type of treatment. This review paper critically examines the empirical evidence, applying the efficacy guidelines jointly established by the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) and the International Society for Neuronal Regulation (ISNR). On the basis of these scientific principles, EEG biofeedback was determined to be "probably efficacious" for the treatment of ADHD. Although significant clinical improvement was reported in approximately 75% of the patients in each of the published research studies, additional randomized, controlled group studies are needed in order to provide a better estimate of the percentage of patients with ADHD who will demonstrate such gains in clinical practice.
There have been many claims regarding the possibilities of performance enhancement training. The aim of such training is for an individual to complete a specific function or task with fewer errors and greater efficiency, resulting in a more positive outcome. The present review examined evidence from neurofeedback training studies to enhance performance in a particular area. Previous research has documented associations between specific cortical states and optimum levels of performance in a range of tasks. This information provides a plausible rationale for the use of neurofeedback to train individuals to enhance their performance. An examination of the literature revealed that neurofeedback training has been utilised to enhance performance from three main areas; sport, cognitive and artistic performance. The review examined evidence from neurofeedback training studies within each of these three areas. Some suggestive findings have been reported with regard to the use of neurofeedback training to enhance performance. However, due to a range of methodological limitations and a general failure to elicit unambiguous changes in baseline EEG activity, a clear association between neurofeedback training and enhanced performance has yet to be established. Throughout, the review highlights a number of recommendations to aid and stimulate future research.
There is great promise in the technology of biofeedback for the field of sport psychology. However, very little empirical research has been conducted that speaks to the efficacy of psychophysiological intervention in sport. The general aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of different training protocols designed to teach cognitive and emotional self-regulation and improve athlete performance on sport-specific tasks. Results of these experiments demonstrated athlete mastery of self-regulation skills and improvement in sport performance.
This study investigated the treatment outcome of males dependent on crack cocaine participating in an inpatient treatment facility in which electroencephalographic operant conditioning training (EEG-OC) was added to the treatment protocol. Eighty-seven men were assessed twelve months after completion of the EEG portion of the program. Follow-up procedures of urinalyses, self-report measures, length of residence, and scores on a measure of depression were obtained and showed significant changes after treatment. The addition of EEG-OC to crack cocaine treatment regimens may promise to be an effective intervention for treating crack cocaine abuse and increasing treatment retention.
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the attentional focus patterns associated with golf putting performance. Highly skilled golfers (N = 34) were assessed using electroencephalographic (EEG) measures of the motor and temporal cortices during the 3 s prior to the golf putt. Players completed 40, 12-ft putts and performance was measured in cm error from the hole. Three measures of EEG were analyzed: slow shift, 40 Hz, and relative power spectrum; representing readiness to respond, focused arousal, and general cortical activity, respectively. All three EEG measures suggested a decrease in left hemisphere, motor cortex activity as the player prepared to putt. Relative power measures also showed significant increases in right hemisphere activity in both the motor and temporal cortices. During the last second preceding the putt, increased right hemisphere alpha activity correlated with and predicted less error. Hemispheric differentiation was also reduced as subjects prepared to putt and few, but important, differences existed between the motor and temporal cortices. An important distinction occurred in the alpha band. In the motor cortex left hemisphere alpha increased significantly over time while in the temporal cortex, right hemisphere alpha increased as subjects approached stroke initiation. Differences that existed between the attentional patterns from the present study and past sport studies may relate to the use of one versus two hands to initiate the response.
Two issues concerning sensorimotor EEG operant conditioning, or biofeedback, as a therapeutic modality for the treatment of seizure disorders are the focus of this review. The first relates to the question of whether relevant physiological changes are associated with this procedure. This question is addressed through review of an extensive neurophysiological literature that is likely unfamiliar to many clinicians but that documents both immediate and sustained functional changes that are consistent with elevation of seizure thresholds. The second focuses on the clinical efficacy of this method and whether it should carry the designation of "experimental". This designation is challenged through an assessment of over 25 years of peer-reviewed research demonstrating impressive EEG and clinical results achieved with the most difficult subset of seizure patients.
Ecological validity of neurofeedback: Modulation of slow wave EEG enhances musical performance
- Egner
Alpha-theta brainwave neurofeedback training: An effective treatment for male and female alcoholics with depressive symptoms
- Saxby
Tuning your mind with neurofeedback for high performance golf
- Sideroff
Sport psychology applications of biofeedback and neurofeedback
- Sime
Optimizing performance and health suite
- V E Wilson
Introduction to EEG biofeedback (Neurofeedback)
- Wilson
Using EEG for enhancing performance: Arousal, attention, self talk, and imagery
- Wilson