The use of Neuro Emotional Technique with competitive rowers: A case series

Power has been shown to consistently predict rowing performance, yet traditional methods to improve power may negatively impact performance when coupled with endurance training. Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) has been found to reduce stress and anxiety, which are also known to impair performance. The aim of this prospective case series was to describe how NET was used with competitive rowers, and to report any changes in average power output following the intervention.

Seven elite rowers were tested using the Max Power Test, one week before and one week after a session of NET. Five of athletes performed better following the NET intervention, while two athletes performed worse.

Many factors may have contributed to the changes in power output that these athletes experienced. Since this study was a case series and only a small sample was used, it lacked a comparison group. Therefore, no inferences or generalizations can be made. The changes seen may not be directly attributed to the NET intervention, but may the result of other factors, such as learning, normal training effects, or assessment bias. The primary limitations of this study include its qualitative design (i.e. a case report), and the appropriateness / usefulness of its primary outcome measure, the Max Power Test.

This case series demonstrates one plausible use of NET with athletes, however, a randomized, controlled trial is needed to determine its effectiveness before causality can be inferred.