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Session Frequency Matters in Neurofeedback Training of Athletes
Christophe Domingos1,2, Miguel Peralta3,4, Pedro Prazeres5
1Laboratory of Physiology and Biochemistry of Exercise, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal.
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
|February 2, 2021
Summary
Neurofeedback training frequency impacts athletic performance. Three weekly sessions effectively increased alpha amplitude and improved cognitive skills (N-back and oddball tasks) compared to two sessions per week.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Neurofeedback training is emerging in sports, but optimal methodologies remain unclear.
- Training session frequency is a critical, yet understudied, factor in neurofeedback efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of training session frequency on neurofeedback outcomes in athletes.
- To compare the effectiveness of two versus three weekly neurofeedback sessions on alpha activity and cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- Forty-five athletes were randomized into three groups: three sessions/week, two sessions/week, and a control group.
- The study assessed changes in alpha amplitude and performance on N-back and oddball cognitive tasks.
Main Results:
- Three weekly neurofeedback sessions significantly increased alpha amplitude compared to two sessions.
- Only the three-session-per-week group demonstrated significant improvements in N-back and oddball task performance.
Conclusions:
- A more condensed neurofeedback training protocol (three sessions/week) appears more effective for enhancing alpha activity and cognitive function in athletes.
- Findings provide guidance for optimizing neurofeedback protocol design to maximize training efficacy in sports.
