Biofeedback Reaction-Time Training: Toward Olympic Gold

Abstract

As part of a larger training program, applying a new biofeedback protocol for improving reaction time (RT) performance among elite speed skaters at the Canadian Speedskating National Training Center in Montreal, Canada, provided an advantage at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, allowing athletes to assert themselves and claim the best starting position during the event. Each athlete participated in a twice-weekly biofeedback RT training for 5 weeks, for a total of 600 RT practice trials, simulating speed-skating activities such as reacting to commands of ''go to the start,'' ''ready,'' and the sound of a signal from a gun to start. There was an overall improvement in RT performance from the beginning to the end of the 5-week period, with the largest improvement occurring between Weeks 4 and 5 of the training, F(1, 9) 5 679.2, p 5 .001. The results suggest that biofeedback protocols will become an essential part of a winning strategy for future interventions in speed skater training.

The Effect of Neurofeedback Training on the Visual Processing Efficiency in Judo Athletes

“…In a study conducted in athletes from the Canadian Speed Skating National Team preparing for the Vancouver Olympic Games, where NFB training was part of their training routine, the most significant improvement in reaction time was observed between the fourth and the fifth (last) training week, with the frequency of two training sessions per week F(1,9) = 5679.2, p = .001 (Harvey et al, 2011).…”

“…NFB is based on feedback, which means that changes in the brain are monitored in real time and can be controlled and modified through training (Thompson, 2003). NFB training is considered an essential element supporting the preparation of athletes, especially in sports such as shooting and archery (Landers et al, 1991), speed skating (Harvey et al, 2011), gymnastics (Zaichkowsky, 1983), judo (Blumenstein and Orbach, 2012c;Maszczyk et al, 2018), canoeing (Blumenstein and Bar-Eli, 1998), soccer (Wilson et al, 2006), swimming (Bar-Eli and Blumenstein, 2004), windsurfing (Blumenstein and Orbach, 2012d) and dancing (Raymond et al, 2005).…”

Prestart Psychophysiological Profile of a 200-m Canoe Athlete: A Comparison of Best and Worst Reaction Times

“…Rarely does biofeedback research explore idiosyncratic psychophysiological profiles of athletes and collect data on the psychophysiological variables as they relate to performance (during performance). For example, biofeedback interventions in sport are largely based on the assumption that reducing the sympathetic nervous system stress response will enhance performance (e.g., Bar-Eli & Blumenstein, 2004;DeWitt, 1980;Dupee & Werthner, 2011;Galloway, 2011;Harvey et al, 2011). This may be correct, but currently we have little evidence to support this notion in terms of sport performance.…”

“…However, these techniques often lack ecological validity and rarely account for the extreme pressure of high-performance sport. Biofeedback training (particularly EMG) has been shown to improve RT performance (Harvey et al, 2011;Schultz, Etnyre, McArthur, & Brelsford, 1987). An early study examined the effects of EMG-biofeedback and EMG information only (no instruction) on RT and motor time (MT) compared with a control in a simple-RT task (Schultz et al, 1987).…”

“…Given such small margins for victory, any advantage that a paddler can gain by having a quick and efficient start, a more effective focus, and an improved ability to manage arousal will be significant for performance (e.g., Crews, Lochbaum, & Karoly, 2001;Hatfield & Kerick, 2007;Zaichkowsky, & Baltzell, 2001). Biofeedback and neurofeedback training techniques have been used to teach athletes to self-manage both physiologically and neurologically in order to enhance performance (e.g., Bar-Eli, Dreshman, Blumenstein, & Weinstein, 2002;Dupee & Werthner, 2011;Edmonds, Tenenbaum, Mann, Johnson, & Kamata, 2008;Galloway, 2011;Harvey, Beauchamp, Saab, & Beauchamp, 2011;Hatfield, Landers, & Ray, 1987). Specifically, biofeedback training enables athletes to learn to self-manage arousal levels, and neurofeedback enables athletes to learn how to focus more effectively.…”