Arash Mirifar has published an article in the journal "Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews". The Iranian guest scientist is a professor at the Department of Sports Psychology under Full Prof. Dr. Jürgen Beckmann. The reviewed journal "Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews" has an impact factor of 10.5. "The journal is one of the top publications in this field and it is clear from the fact that we were able to publish an article here that we are performing research on current and relevant topics," explains Prof. Beckmann. "The high impact factor is also due to the fact that the journal only publishes reviews on research which have subsequently been quoted more frequently as research," Beckmann continues.
Review of neurofeedback as a training instrument
In his review, Mirifar investigated the research topic "Neurofeedback as a training instrument". "Neurofeedback for performance regulation is indeed not a new idea, but it has now only been investigated on with increasing frequency for a few years. We now know that training measures can be used to address the frequency range in the brain," explains Prof. Beckmann.
Different frequency ranges either support or inhibit brain activities. Thus, for example, attention or failure can be regulated in pressure situations. Through targeted exercises, athletes can learn how to activate the desired frequency ranges. "We have already carried out studies in which athletes were wired to an electroencephalogram (EEG)," says Prof. Beckmann. The EEG makes it possible to measure potential fluctuations on the surface of the scalp brought about through brain activity by means of electrodes attached to the head. On the basis of these measurements a training program for the targeted control of frequency bands was developed. "The EEG measurement was interlinked with a computer, where a video was started automatically as soon as the subject had reached the desired frequency range, and the video was then also interrupted when the subject left this frequency range," the professor at the Department of Sports Psychology explains.
Through the use of this device, athletes can learn how to control frequency bands in a controlled manner - and then call them up during competition. For example, in sports requiring concentration - such as in shooting - this can lead to a competitive advantage.
Neurofeedback can bring about an increase in performance
"The majority of studies performed to date show that neurofeedback increases the performance of athletes in solving specific exercise tasks or has a positive effect on related aspects of attention and perception," Mirifar notes in his article. Since various restrictions apply to the studies so far, Mirifar advises that there is a need for "further research in this field". With his doctorate, the Iranian will also contribute to this.
To the Homepage of the Department of Sport Psychology
The Journal of Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
Contact:
Arash Mirifar
Lehrstuhl für Sportpsychologie
Uptown Munich, Campus D
Georg-Brauchle Ring 60/62
80992 Munich
E-Mail: Arash.Mirifar(at)tum.de
Telephone: 089 289 24536
Text: Fabian Kautz