The effect of neurofeedback (SMR training) on performance and reaction time of individuals who undertake difficult tasks

Achieving to peak performance and reaction time (RT) is the most important aim of artists, athletes, military personnel and every one whose job needs delicacy. Neurofeedback is one of the new ways which is used by sport psychologist in order to attaining the peak performance. This study aimed to investigate the influence of (sensori motor rhythm: 12-15 Hz) SMR neurofeedback training on peak performance and RT of individuals with difficult jobs. The research project was experimental and 36 volunteers were randomly divided in three groups, experimental group (real neurofeedback), placebo (virtual neurofeedback) and control group. As far as our volunteers were from various groups, they were put in a same situation (playing table tennis) for evaluating their peak performance. All groups were evaluated in table tennis performance and RT. Then, the experimental intervention was performed. All participating groups were trained for table tennis for 20 sessions and the experimental group as well as the placebo got the neurofeedback training and table tennis training simultaneously. All three groups participated in the post-test in the middle and at the end of the study. All the data were analyzed by repeated measurements, multivariate/ analysis of variance by subtracting the pre-test post-test in order to examine the hypothesis. Results of data analysis have shown that SMR training influenced on performance and RT of participants in a special task. Neurofeedback training can improve trainers’ performance. For this reason, it can be used for achieving peak performance and decrease RT in athletes.