Neurocognitive empowerment effects of combined neurofeedback-mindfulness training in sport

Objectives:This project aimed at testing neurocognitive empowerment effects of an intensive training program combining mindfulness-based practice with dedicated neurofeedback devices in both mildly-stressed young adults and semi-professional athletes exposed to sport-related stressors. Background and Aims:Mental training practices, such as mindfulness, proved to be valuable tools to empower focusing and stress management skills in both clinical and non-clinical contexts, such as sport. While remarkable commitment required by those practices may limit its potential, combining them with supporting technologies may make them more accessible and efficient. We aimed at investigating such possibility and testing a novel neurocognitive empowerment protocol. Materials and Methods: 15 sport athletes and 35 volunteers not regularly involved in sports or physical activity were divided into experimental and active control groups and underwent neuropsychological and psychophysiological assessment pre- and post-training. The experimental group completed an intensive program including mindfulness-based practices supported by a wearable neurofeedback. The active control group completed a program based on breathing practices. Results and Conclusions:Data analysis highlighted significant statistical reduced response times at computerized cognitive tasks and significantly improved electrophysiological markers of attention orientation (N2 event-related potential) in athletes who completed such training. Present findings suggest that an intensive training program supported by neurotechnologies might induce adaptive improvements of neurocognitive efficiency even after few days of activity, and that physical activity related to sports practice might act as prompt for early training effects.