2019, Volume 15, Issue 1
Optimizing visual processing efficiency using neurofeedback training in judo athletes
Artur Gołaś1, Magdalena Nitychoruk1, Marcin Żak1, Magdalena Kowalczyk1, Adam Maszczyk1, Angelika Ignatjeva1
1Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
Author for correspondence: Magdalena Nitychoruk; Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland; email: magda.aneta.krawczyk@gmail.com
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Abstract
Background Study Aim: Training using the EEG-NFB (electroencephalographic neurofeedback) technique has recently become more and more popular as an innovative method. The aim of this study was knowledge about the effect of the EEG-NFB training protocol on the reaction speed of judo athletes and to determine the optimal duration and frequency of training sessions directed at the improvement reaction speed in combat sport athletes.
Material & Methods: The study examined 12 male athletes from the national team of the Polish Judo Association. Participants were divided into the experimental (EG, n = 6) and the control group (CG, n = 6). The NFB training protocol was performed and recorded using a Biograf Infiniti 6.0 software and the 5-channel ProComp5 decoding device with an EEG sensor. The effect of NFB training was examined by computer-based simple and complex reaction tests and selected tests of the Vienna Test System (VST).
Results: One-way ANOVA showed statistically significant differences between the CG and the EG in theta and beta values after the first and the second cycle of training. There were statistically significant differences between the CG and the EG in the results of reaction speed tests after individual cycles of training.
Conclusions: The highest reduction in complex reaction time was obtained after the first training cycle, when training was performed every second day and the highest reduction in simple reaction time was obtained after the second training cycle, when training was performed every day. In both cycle training lasted four minutes.
Key words: simple reaction, EEG, complex reaction, combat sport, biofeedback, speed reaction