Neurofeedback as supplementary training for optimizing athletes' performance: A systematic review with implications...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sport Science
• Psychology

Background:

• Self-regulation is crucial for human performance enhancement.
• Neurofeedback offers a noninvasive method to modify brain oscillations and improve self-regulation skills.
• While neurofeedback has been studied in clinical and general performance contexts, its application in sports lacks comprehensive review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of empirical studies on neurofeedback in sports.
• To evaluate the existing research based on cardinal and methodological criteria.
• To offer guidelines for future neurofeedback research in sports.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of empirical studies on neurofeedback in sports.
• Evaluation of study methodologies and findings.
• Analysis of historical application and recent trends in sports science.

Main Results:

• The application of neurofeedback in sports dates back to 1991 in archery.
• There is a growing interest in neurofeedback among sport scientists.
• The review critically assesses the quality and effectiveness of current research.

Conclusions:

• Neurofeedback holds promise for enhancing athletic performance through improved self-regulation.
• Further methodologically rigorous studies are needed to establish its efficacy in sports.
• Guidelines are provided to improve the quality of future research in this domain.