A systematic review of 13 randomized controlled trials (Cheng et al. 2024, Frontiers in Psychology) confirms that EEG neurofeedback enhances sports performance (shooting accuracy, golf putting, fine motor skills) in proficient athletes.
This systematic review by Cheng et al. (2024), published in Frontiers in Psychology (PMID 39156814), analyzes 13 randomized controlled trials selected from 2 869 publications to evaluate the effects of EEG neurofeedback on the performance of high-level athletes (proficient skill levels) across various disciplines: golf, shooting, basketball, volleyball, football, judo, and more.
The originality of this study lies in its target population, athletes whose baseline neurophysiological profile is already optimal, and in the simultaneous measurement of objective markers (EEG, salivary cortisol) and subjective markers (stress questionnaires, measured sports performance).
The results demonstrate that even highly performing individuals can benefit from neurofeedback, by improving their flow state, their ability to manage competitive pressure and their executive functions under cognitive load.
Initial identification of 2 869 studies in main scientific databases. Rigorous selection according to PRISMA criteria, yielding 13 randomized controlled trials included in the final qualitative analysis.
Studies retained: proficient-level athletes (competitive or elite), effective EEG use for neurofeedback (not just peripheral biofeedback), objective motor or sports performance measure, randomized controlled experimental design.
Sports analyzed: golf, shooting, basketball, volleyball, football, judo, ice hockey, triathlon, handball, fencing, taekwondo, darts, athletics, swimming. Significant diversity allowing evaluation of neurofeedback transferability across sports.
Motor accuracy (shooting, golf putting, throwing), reaction time, fine motor skills, real-competition performance. EEG markers analyzed: alpha, theta, SMR (Sensorimotor Rhythm), beta. Evaluation of neurophysiological parameters associated with optimal performance.
This study is particularly relevant to our approach, because it targets a population resembling many of our clients: individuals already performing at a high level who seek to break through a new ceiling rather than treat a pathology. It demonstrates that the performance glass ceiling can be pushed back even for the best.
The simultaneous reduction in cortisol and improvement in executive functions illustrate the central mechanism of neurofeedback applied to performance: by training the brain to maintain a state of calm vigilance (high SMR, low theta), the neurophysiological conditions for flow are created, that state where optimal performance occurs without excessive conscious effort.
In our practice, we apply exactly this SMR/beta protocol for our patients: competitive athletes, traders, surgeons, trial lawyers, all professionals whose performance depends on rapid decisions under pressure.
The decrease in EEG theta/beta ratio is one of the biomarkers we track session by session to objectify each patient's progression and adjust the protocol in real time.