Application of the EEG Biofeedback method in attention deficits therapy in young sportspeople - A pilot study

Abstract

BackgroundWhile working with contestants, sports psychology has been successfully applying the biofeedback (neurofeedback) method since 1970s, noticing its potential in the field of attention concentration, decrease in destructive tension hindering achievement of the expected results in various sports disciplines. The researchers aimed at demonstrating to what extent the EEG Biofeedback method may prove useful in correcting attention concentration deficits in young sportspeople). The presented research project was of a pilot character, and the studies undertaken may be extended and modified. Material/MethodsThe research project included young sportspeople (16-17 years old) who were students of the Academic Secondary School of Sports Championship at the School of Economics and Innovation in Lublin. Students (N = 20) were assessed by the school psychologist and teachers as to the noticed difficulties in attention concentration, and they were diagnosed with the application of two methods: EEG Biofeedback and Brickenkamp's Attention Test d2 R. in the Polish adaptation by E. Dajek. On the basis of analysis of the obtained results 10 students were selected, who undertook EEG Biofeedback trainings (20 one-hour sessions, twice a week, in the period between March and June 2016). ResultsBoth the attention measurement and the EEG Biofeedback training record assessment demonstrated favorable changes in each of the participants in the project (an increase in the ZK indicator, a change in the brain waves proportion Theta/Beta/Beta2). ConclusionsThe subsequent examination with the use of an attention test as well as analysis of the EEG Biofeedback training record confirmed the effectiveness of the applied method as a method of correcting deficits/ attention concentration difficulties in young sportspeople. [3, p. 198-199].EEG Biofeedback is defined as self-regulatory method of normalizing EEG waves, allowing conscious modification of psycho-physiological status through changing the pattern of brain waves. Due to the application of operative conditioning, the EEG Biofeedback method is regarded as an instrumental psychotherapy method [4]. Certain ranges can be strengthened or inhibited by means of training. The method takes advantage of biological feedback, allowing controlling and modifying the functions that in everyday functioning remain independent of our will. The training takes place with the application of two computer systems with a special EEG Biofeedback module. The apparatuses enable us to trace the recording of the patient's brain waves and imaging them graphically -as a video game. The host, using appropriate parameters, stimulates desirable and inhibits undesirable bands of brain waves. Depending on whether the trainee achieves the set parameters -the game has a successful course or not. The training is aimed at improving bioelectrical function of the brain, depending on the disorder. Thanks to the so-called feedback, the trainee can learn to regulate their brain waves on their own, strengthening or weak...

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