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

Abstract

Primary objectives of neurofeedback training (NFT) are to improve concentration, stress and anxiety management, and performance optimisation. This narrative review examines the role of NFT as a tool to improve mental and cognitive skills of target shooting and archery athletes. Current research discusses how neurofeedback training can act on brain waves by influencing specific EEG frequency bands in order to improve cognitive flexibility. This contribution reports studies that have applied neurofeedback protocols in precision disciplines such as archery and shooting. The results of the studies considered showed that neurofeedback can lead to faster reaction times, more sustained attention, and better emotion management, contributing significantly to athletes’ performance. Furthermore, it is emphasised that neurofeedback could be combined with other techniques such as motor imagination to maximise effectiveness in precision sports training. This review emphasises the importance of future studies that focus on the integration of neurofeedback with biofeedback in neuromodulation protocols. Current perspectives and limitations of research in this area are also indicated. Neuromodulation by means of neurofeedback represents a promising strategy to improve the overall mental and cognitive abilities of target shooting and archery athletes with an interesting potential for high-level performance. Future research should focus on integrated approaches and customised protocols to optimise the use of neurofeedback in a precision sports context.

Integrated use of biofeedback and neurofeedback techniques in treating pathological conditions and improving performance: a narrative review

“…In this regard, some authors have been able to verify the effectiveness of NF training on the brain activity of some golfers. Athletes were trained to self-regulate their brain functions, particularly theta waves of the medial frontal region associated with cognitive and attentional control ( Chen et al, 2022 ; Corrado et al, 2024 ). Recently, Rydzik et al (2023) highlighted that the effect of sports training is positively associated with the NF method which, if used by athletes during training, can lead to the control and improvement of psychophysiological aspects.…”

Enhancing Working Memory and Reducing Anxiety in University Students: A Neurofeedback Approach

“…The goal of neurofeedback is thus to teach individuals to regulate their brain activity within a certain frequency band to enhance the associated behavior or mental state [ 12 ]. Historically, since its inception in the 1960s, neurofeedback has been used in various fields and for different purposes: for example, as an alternative to pharmacological treatment in individuals suffering from headaches, nausea, and epileptic seizures and as an aid in children with ADHD, who exhibited an unbalanced pattern of brain waves [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”