Neurofeedback treatment for athletes is rooted in the capacity to enhance brain function, which is is directly related to the brain’s ability to react in ever-changing ways. It provides the opportunity for enhancing optimal sports performance without the use of performance enhancing drugs.
Performing at your peak comes with very high demands. When you are in a prolonged state of stress due to performing at an optimal level, your brain function can be impacted. These physical, mental, and emotional impacts often influence your ability to succeed. The longer the impact, the greater the imbalance, which leads to decreased function and performance. This may cause result in:
- Fitness plateau
- Muscle fatigue
- Lack of focus
- Forgetting tasks
- Mind racing
- Concussions and brain trauma
Neurofeedback Treatment for Athletes: How Can It Help?
Neurofeedback treatment for athletes works to enhance concentration and attention, reduction of anxiety, improved stress management, and improved control over emotions, which ultimately enhances the ability to perform under pressure. In addition, athletes who are suffering from injuries such as concussions and mild head injuries have used neurofeedback to assist in the healing process and to speed recovery.
5 Ways Neurofeedback Can Enhance Sports Performance
The brain functioning optimally is key in any high-stress or demanding situations. As a result, a growing number of athletes use mental training as a means to of achieving a competitive advantage. Neurofeedback can help athletes in at least 5 ways.
- Attention & Focus
- Emotional Control
- Improves Sleep
- Slows Cognitive Decline
- Restores Brain Function After Injury
Each sport places different demands on the brain, therefore treatment is tailored to the unique situation of each athlete.
High level athletes who use neurofeedback to enhance peak performance:
- The Vancouver Canucks Men’s Hockey Team; holders of the best regular season in the NHL in both the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons
- The Italian National Futbol Team; 2006 FIFA World Cup Champions
- Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings; Three-time Olympic Gold Medalists
- Eric Shanteau; 2012 U.S. Swim Team Olympic Gold Medalist
- Jessica Hardy; 2012 U.S. Swim Team Olympic Gold Medalist
- Phil Mickelson; World Golf Hall of Famer
- Denver Broncos; AFL Division Leaders
- Chicago Bears; NFL Division Leaders
Interested in Learning More About Neurofeedback for Athletes or Booking an Appointment?
In conclusion, Neurofeedback can help athletes improve their athletic performance. Neurofeedback therapy is becoming a popular option among aspiring athletes as they can train their brain to focus. Please contact licensed psychologist Dr. Connie McReynolds for more information on improving athletic performance through Neurofeedback.
