Both Sensorimotor Rhythm Neurofeedback and Self-Controlled Practice Enhance Motor Learning and Performance in Novice Golfers

Abstract

A major concern voiced by motor behavior scientists is to find useful practice techniques that can be effective in improving motor learning and performance. Neurofeedback and self-controlled practice are among the techniques that have recently drawn attention from specialists in this area. The present study examined the additive and individual effects of sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) neurofeedback as well as self-controlled practice on motor learning and performance in novice golfers. In this semi-empirical study, forty adults (20 females, Meanage = 26.10, SD = 5.56 years) were conveniently selected and randomly assigned to four groups: (1) neurofeedback/self-controlled practice, (2) neurofeedback/yoked practice, (3) sham/self-controlled practice, and (4) sham/yoked practice. The participants performed golf putting task in four stages, namely pretest (12 trials), intervention (one day after pretest; 6 sessions, 36 trails each), post-test (one day after intervention; 12 trials), and follow-up (two weeks after interventions; 12 trials). In addition, the participants had their EEG (SMR wave in Cz point) recorded during pretest, post-test, and follow-up. The results indicated that, although no additive effect was observed for the two practices during different stages of the experiment (p > 0.05), in acquisition and post-test stages, SMR neurofeedback and self-controlled practice independently facilitated golf putting (p ≤ 0.05). However, in the follow-up test, only the neurofeedback practice maintained its positive effects (p ≤ 0.05). The results also showed that participation in SMR neurofeedback practice can enhance the power of the SMR wave (p ≤ 0.05), regardless of the type of the self-controlled practice used. In sum, the two practice techniques seem to be independently effective in facilitating motor learning in instructional settings, particularly for golfers.

Moderated Mediation Model of Passion and Perseverance in Effect of College Students' Physical Movement on Bliss through Peer Group Cohesiveness

“…Furthermore, the results of these findings demonstrated that performing tasks with relatively low cognitive demands does not mean that SC is effective for motor learning. Although many preceding studies [5] [24] have argued that SC can be an significant intervention strategy to improve motor learning, judging from the results of this study, SC does not always improve motor learning. The ineffectiveness of SC in this study is considered to be due to the following reasons.…”

A new EEG neurofeedback training approach in sports: the effects function-specific instruction of Mu rhythm and visuomotor skill performance

“…To further neurofeedback research in sports, future studies must rigorously investigate the most effective EEG markers, especially in the context of golf putting. Recent investigations, such as those conducted by Afrash et al (2023) and Pourbehbahani et al (2023), have underscored the benefits of enhanced sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) and suppressed alpha neurofeedback in facilitating long-term motor learning among novice golfers. Cheng et al (2015a) extended this research by correlating higher sensorimotor power at the Cz point with enhanced performance in skilled golfers.…”

“…For example, a decrease in frontal midline theta (FMT;(4)(5)(6)(7) power that is linked to sustained attention (Kao et al, 2014) can improve putting performance in skilled golfers (Chen et al, 2022b). In addition, increased sensorimotor rhythm (SMR; 12-15 Hz) power that is associated with attentional processing can improve putting performance in skilled golfers (Cheng et al, 2015a;Afrash et al, 2023) and novice golfers (Pourbehbahani et al, 2023). In addition to FMT and SMR, Mu rhythm can also modulate visuomotor performance.…”

Improving Mental Skills in Precision Sports by Using Neurofeedback Training: A Narrative Review

“…Neurofeedback and self-controlled practice could achieve combined positive effects on performance and motor learning in novice golfers. Pourbehbahani and colleagues, in 2023, examined the individual and combined effects of sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) neurofeedback and self-controlled practice on motor performance learning in novice golfers [ 75 ]. For this study, the authors involved 40 athletes, divided into four groups: neurofeedback/self-controlled practice, neurofeedback/controlled practice, sham practice/self-controlled practice, and sham practice/controlled practice.…”

“…The same authors conclude that self-controlled practice, which allows participants to make choices even not strictly related to the putting task, improves motor learning. This effect could be attributed to an increase in motivation, the possibility to experiment with different strategies, and control over personal choices [ 75 ]. Giving trainees the opportunity to make decisions can improve learning and motivation, even when the choices are not strictly related to the training content [ 76 ].…”