Neurofeedback training for Peak Performance
NeuroFeedback as a tool for Peak Performance
Neurofeedback brain training for business, IT and other fields in the category of peak performance is a promising tool for enhancing cognitive performance in healthy individuals. This type of training offers the opportunity to assess and locate neural networks and brain activity patterns that can be exercised in terms of electrical activity (EEG) and oxygen patterns to the brain (HEG) to increase cognitive and focus performances such as decision-making strategies, reaction time, focus and concentration, ability to address details, information screening and more.
The cognitive advantages of neurofeedback brain training
Research in the filed demonstrates important insight regarding the future possibilities this line of treatment can supply.
• One research found, that indeed healthy individuals can learn to better attune their brain activity, resulting in clear improvements of various cognitive aspects such as Memory, Attention and Focus (1).
• Another research has also found marked improvement in attention and working memory (2).
• Focusing on long, mid and short-term verbal and visual memory, studies have demonstrated marked improvements in all those aspects of memory functions (3).
• Finally, a later research has shown significant improvement in a vast spectrum of cognitive performance, including longer attention, better visual, procedural and recognition memory, increased intelligence, higher RT, as well as in well-being and mood (4).
Neurofeedback brain training for the development of the company’s members
With the growing body of evidence showing the positive effect of Neurofeedback brain training on enhanced performance and cognitive aspects, companies and businesses (and even leading sports teams) around the world are applying neurofeedback as an additional and powerful tool for the development of the companies’ CEOs, directors and employees.
The length of the training process
This is no magic solution but another form of training. While more than once research has found an improvement within 8 session of neurofeedback, usually in the training for peak performance it is advised to take at least double the sessions, usually more, to enable consolidation of the brain patterns in training. A proper program to keep the cognitive aspect always fit means that even after a training process has been concluded, a maintenance program is available.
The wild field of Neurofeedback and the discipline we apply at the nctNeurofeedback Clinic
Neurofeeback can be conducted either with reference to a generalized type of activity (averaged in the general population) or referenced individually. Some disciplines set the training targets to adjust the brain to a generalized (human data-based) “normal” brain activity. At the nctNeurofeedback brain-training research and clinic centre, we train the brain to peak performance using individualized protocols and targeting to improve brain functions based on the individual’s initial brain patterns as found in the pre-training assessment.
We have been studying and developing our training program based on ongoing research which is proving successful in 92% of cases over the last 25 years.
The benefits of neurofeedback have been found useful in peak performance training. These benefits include improving attention/concentration, imagery, arousal level, and decreasing worry and rumination (Williams, 2006).
The combination of cognitive, emotional, and psychophysiological benefits from neurofeedback results in improved performance.
Due to individual differences in brain activity, as well as the large diversity of skills required in different sports, neurofeedback for performance training is not a “one size fits all” approach (Wilson, Thompson, Thompson, & Peper, 2011).
In order to obtain optimal results, neurofeedback for peak performance training begins with appropriate assessment and evaluation of an individual's brain wave (electroencephalographic) activity.
Individualized training plans are based upon the assessment findings and the specific needs of the targeted sport or activity (Wilson et al., 2011).
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References:
1. The effect of training distinct neurofeedback protocols on aspects of cognitive performance (Vernon Et Al., The journal of Psychophysiology, Jan. 2003).
2. Neurofeedback training improves attention and working memory performance (Wang JR, Hsieh S., Clinical Neurophysiology, Dec. 2003).
3. Effectiveness of neurofeedback training on verbal memory, visual memory and self-efficacy in students (Mohammad Nazer Et Al., Electron Physician, Sep. 2018).
4. EEG-neurofeedback for optimising performance. I: a review of cognitive and affective outcome in healthy participants (Gruzelier JH., Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, Jul. 2014).