Paper #1 - A Single Session of Sensorimotor Rhythm Neurofeedback Enhances Long-Game Performance in Professional Golfers
What: This study examined how Sensorimotor Rhythm (SMR) neurofeedback training impacts the swing accuracy, brain activity, and mental states of professional female golfers during their swings.
How: Seventeen professional female golfers participated in the study, experiencing two conditions: one with neurofeedback training (NFT) and one without (control). During training, they executed 40 swings from 150 yards with continuous SMR neurofeedback. Their swing accuracy and psychological states, such as focus and relaxation, were assessed before and after the training.
Results: The study found that golfers who received SMR training had better accuracy, with the ball landing closer to the hole than the control group. SMR training also increased brain activity linked to focus and motor control. Additionally, golfers felt more relaxed and focused during their swings, with less conscious effort.
Limitations: The study only looked at the immediate effects of a single training session, so we don't know the long-term impact. The small sample size means the findings might not apply to all golfers.
Implications: SMR neurofeedback training could help professional golfers improve their swing accuracy and mental state during play. This type of training may be useful in developing personalized training programs to enhance performance and manage stress.
For further details, you can read the full abstract here.
To learn more about neurofeedback, check out my interviews with Kiersten Janjigian and Dr. Debbie Crews
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