Developing a Performance Brain Training™ Approach for Baseball: A Process Analysis with Descriptive Data

Abstract

Neurofeedback may be useful for improving sports performance but few studies have examined this potential. Here we present data of five development players from a major league baseball team. The aims were to evaluate the feasibility of conducting sessions within a professional organization, assess changes in quantitative electroencephalograph (QEEG), NeuroPerformance Profile™, and report qualitative self-report data before and after brain training. The EEG was recorded with 19 electrodes for 20 min of baseline conditions and approximately 21 min of a continuous performance test. The fast Fourier transform analysis provided average cross-spectral matrices for bands delta (1-3.5 Hz), theta (4-7.5 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), low beta (13-16 Hz), beta 1 (13-21 Hz), beta 2 (22-32 Hz), and gamma (32-45 Hz) from the pre and post intervention evaluations in the baseline condition of eyes open. The continuous performance test metrics included the errors of omission, errors of commission, response time and response time variability. The 9 scales of the NeuroPerformance Profile™ were examined. The QEEG data, CPT data and NeuroPerformance Profile™ data were all compared between the pre and post 15 sessions of brain training using a within subject paired t test design corrected for multiple comparisons using false discovery rate method. Following brain training, comparative QEEG, CPT and NeuroPerformance Profile™ analyses illustrated significant differences. The QEEG findings of all participants illustrated significant changes within the training parameters but also across other frequency bands and electrode sites. Overall, the positive findings in both objective and subjective measures suggest further inquiry into the utility of brain training for performance enhancement with the specific application of sport is warranted. Particularly QEEG and CPT gains were noted in the areas that correspond to client self-report data demonstrating improvement in attention, decreased intrusive thought patterns and improvements in sleep patterns.

Neurofeedback learning modifies the incidence rate of alpha spindles, but not their duration and amplitude

“…Another technique, called the Z-score neurofeedback, allows a generalized threshold-neurofeedback presentation based on a population distribution 46 of the EEG parameter used. Other common considerations include the choice of sensory modality 47, 48 , complexity of reinforcement 49 , contingency of reinforcement 50, 51 , secondary reinforcement as an additional motivation factor 42 , and the shaping process for adjusting the feedback throughout an experiment 52 .…”

Neurofeedback, aplicaciones y eficacia

“…Otro objetivo del neurofeedback consiste en mejorar el rendimiento, basado en asociaciones entre aquellas mediciones registradas en el EEG y aquellos comportamientos o estados de concentración que refiere dicho patrón de ondas; es decir, cómo los estados emocionales, de relajación y concentración de la persona pueden hacer que su ritmo y longitud de onda sea más rápido o lento, según sea el caso, y cómo influyen en su amplitud y volta je (Sherlin, Larson & Rebecca, 2013).…”

Integrative Approach to High-Performance Evaluation and Training: Illustrative Data of a Professional Boxer

“…The NeuroPerformance Profile provides an analysis of multiple metrics related to sport performance that are derived from combining behavioral information from CPT (BEE Medic GmbH, Kirchberg, Switzerland) and QEEG spectral data from a 19-channel EEG recording with a standard International 10-20 electrode placement system Sherlin, Larson, & Sherlin, 2012). This unique combination of information from the NeuroPerformance Profile allows the practitioner to design maximally effective braintraining protocols, in addition to providing insight about the athlete's strengths, weaknesses, and preferences to coaches and trainers.…”

“…Together it was decided the goal for increasing performance would be to train in the index of NeuroStrength to increase the dynamic range between the athlete's resting state cortical arousal and the activation state cortical arousal. The NeuroStrength protocol is designed to suppress slower frequencies and increase faster frequencies in the frontal bilateral sites and are described elsewhere (Sherlin et al, 2012). This protocol was implemented for 25 sessions, and a subsequent 17 sessions were conducted implementing the Stress Recovery protocol.…”

“…This protocol was implemented for 25 sessions, and a subsequent 17 sessions were conducted implementing the Stress Recovery protocol. The Stress Recovery protocol is aimed to inhibit fast frequencies and augment slow-mid spectrum frequencies in the parietal sites bilaterally again described elsewhere (Sherlin et al, 2012).…”