Changes in the activity of brain waves under the influence neurofeedback training of judo players

Abstract

Purpose of research. The aim of this study was to analyze the dynamics of the variability of the Theta and Beta waves in the experimental and control groups after successive biofeedback sessions, and to determine the optimal number of biofeedback training units to achieve the goal of the study, which was to improve the reaction speed in the experimental group.

Method. 12 men, members of the national team of the Polish Judo Association took part in the study. The competitors participated in two training cycles.  Each cycle consisted of 15 training sessions. The duration of the training was 4 minutes. In the first session, training was held every other day. The second series of tests, which took place after a four-week break, was characterized by the same duration, but the training was held every day. A computer test of reaction speed and selected tests of the Vienna system were carried out before and after each training cycle. The competitors performed the training based on the beta1 / theta protocol using the Biograf Infiniti 6.0 software and a 5-channel ProComp5 decoding device with an EEG sensor.

Results. Analysis of the results shows that the application of biofeedback training, which contributed to the improvement of reaction speed, significantly affects the dynamics of brain wave activity.

Conclusions. There has been great interest in research in delivering the importance of training the EEG-biofeedback in sport. There are many unresolved issues and inconsistent conclusions, which need to be explained. It is necessary to perform research in more cases and to determine the optimal training methodology, which will lead to the proposal of practical suggestions, taking into account individual disciplines and sports competitions.