The Effect of Neurofeedback on the Reaction Time and Cognitive Performance of Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Our study evaluated the effect of training with neurofeedback (NFB) in improving athletes' reaction time and decision-making. A computerized search in PubMed, PsycINFO, Scielo, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, BVS, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify studies published from 2011 to June 2021. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. The quality of studies that was peer-reviewed and included was assessed using the Review Manager tool, Cochrane Risk of Bias, and design and reporting quality according to the CRED-nf checklist. Standard mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and combined using a random-effects model. A total of 07 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (173 athletes) met the inclusion criteria. Significant effects of NFB in the experimental group in relation to reaction time were found, indicating an improvement in sports performance [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −1.08; 95% CI = (−1.90, −0.25), p = 0.0009] and cognitive performance vs. decision-making with moderate effect [SMD = 1.12; 95% CI = (−0.40, 1.85), p = 0.0001]. However, the control group had a very small effect on cognitive performance [SMD = 0.19; 95% CI = (−0.20, 0.59), p = 0.086]. NFB could improve athletes' reaction time and decision-making, effectively increasing their performance in the sports field. Future studies should focus on standardized protocols for NFB training.Systematic Review Registrationhttp://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42021258387.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of neurofeedback and its effect on posttraumatic stress disorder

“…Since this analysis was exclusively based on RCTs that tested the efficacy of NF in treating PTSD, best practices as per (CRED-nf) were complied with/observed in relation to having a control group, defining a feedback modality as part of the methodology and in the reporting of outcomes. The addressing of these criteria differed meaningfully from other best practice analyses ( 20 , 61 , 62 )—mainly due to the fact that these other best practice analyses included non-RCTs.…”

“…This may have been due to the chronicity of the PTSD condition and patients being refractory to the evidence-based practice recommendations. Several issues were identified in this systematic review and meta-analysis for future research and as in previous systematic reviews in other areas ( 20 , 61 , 62 ). These issues along with suggested recommendations for future research are listed in Table 6 below.…”

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

“…This is confirmed by the scientific community, which has long since consolidated the theoretical and practical bases of physical and mental aspects, thanks to training aimed at the growth of less-experienced athletes [ 83 ]. Studying in detail how an experienced athlete behaves from a mental point of view has allowed researchers to understand which direction to take in order to intervene in improving mental abilities [ 84 ]. Research on neuromodulation processes has found fertile ground on the improvement of these qualities and is identified as an effective support to be adopted in the athlete’s growth phases.…”

The importance of reaction time to the starting signal on race results in elite motorcycle speedway racing

“…An example is the perceptual abilities, i.e. an athlete's ability to react quickly and the ability to predict, which were found to be beneficial to an athlete's success [10,11]. Reaction time (RT) was defined as the time between detecting a sensory stimulus and the behavioural response following it [12].…”