The Effect of EEG Neurofeedback Training on Sport Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Chien-Lin Yu1, Ming-Yang Cheng2, Xin An3
1Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|April 24, 2025
Summary
Neurofeedback training (NFT) moderately enhances sports performance by improving self-regulation of neural activity. High-quality studies, using the CRED-nf checklist, show significantly greater performance improvements.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sports Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Neurofeedback training (NFT) is a technique for self-regulating neural activity.
- Previous meta-analyses on NFT and motor performance are outdated and had limited focus on motor outcomes.
- Recent high-quality research necessitates an updated meta-analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reassess the impact of electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback on sports motor performance.
- To incorporate the CRED-nf checklist for methodological evaluation of NFT studies.
- To provide an updated synthesis of current evidence.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Included 25 studies for qualitative synthesis and 21 for meta-analysis.
- Methodological quality assessed using the CRED-nf checklist.
Main Results:
- A moderate positive effect of NFT on sport motor tasks was found (Hedges's g = 0.78).
- Studies with higher methodological quality (CRED-nf checklist) demonstrated larger effect sizes (Hedges's g = 1.07) compared to lower quality studies (Hedges's g = 0.49).
- Key methodological gaps include reporting on participant strategies, data processing, and regulation success.
Conclusions:
- NFT has a moderate positive impact on sports motor performance.
- High-quality methodologies, as defined by the CRED-nf checklist, are crucial for maximizing NFT's effectiveness.
- Future research should prioritize rigorous study designs and reporting standards.
