A psychological ergogenic aid in sports: The use of neurofeedback

Sporda bir psikolojik ergojenik yardımcı: Nörofeedback kullanımı

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14687/jhs.v22i2.6559

Keywords:

Neurofeedback, ergogenic aid, sports performance, mental training, eeg, neuroplasticity, rehabilitation, ergojenik yardımcı, spor performansı, zihinsel antrenman, nöroplastisite, rehabilitasyon

Abstract

Research problem/aim: This review article explores the fundamental structure, historical development, and applications of neurofeedback as a psychological ergogenic aid in sports, based on current findings in the literature. The study aims to comprehensively compile previous research to highlight the potential benefits and areas of application of neurofeedback in the field of sports.

Method: The study adopts a literature review approach, examining academic sources, empirical studies, and theoretical discussions that focus on neurofeedback use in both individual and team sports, as well as in rehabilitation contexts.

Findings: Neurofeedback is a biofeedback technique that allows individuals to monitor and regulate their brainwaves, which can lead to enhanced athletic performance and better stress management. It operates through the optimization of mental processes using EEG data and promotes the development of new neural pathways via neuroplasticity. Research shows that neurofeedback can positively impact attention, reaction time, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Its applications extend across various sports, including shooting, archery, golf, and tennis, as well as team sports. Additionally, it is increasingly used in rehabilitation and injury recovery.

Conclusions: Despite its proven potential, the widespread adoption of neurofeedback in sports is limited by factors such as small sample sizes in studies and high implementation costs. Broader empirical research and cost-effective integration strategies are needed to support its practical use in athletic contexts.

(Extended English summary is at the end of this document)

 

Özet

Araştırma problemi/amaç: Bu derleme makalesi, nörofeedback’in sporda bir psikolojik ergojenik yardımcı olarak temel yapısını, tarihsel gelişimini ve uygulama alanlarını mevcut literatürdeki bulgulara dayanarak incelemektedir. Çalışmanın amacı, nörofeedback’in spordaki potansiyel faydalarını ve kullanım alanlarını vurgulamak amacıyla günümüze kadar yapılmış araştırmaları kapsamlı bir şekilde derlemektir.

Yöntem: Çalışma, literatür taraması yöntemiyle gerçekleştirilmiştir. Nörofeedback’in hem bireysel hem de takım sporlarında ve rehabilitasyon süreçlerinde kullanımıyla ilgili akademik kaynaklar, ampirik çalışmalar ve kuramsal tartışmalar analiz edilmiştir.

Bulgular: Nörofeedback, bireylerin beyin dalgalarını izleyip düzenlemelerine olanak tanıyan bir biyolojik geri bildirim tekniğidir. EEG verileriyle zihinsel süreçlerin optimize edilmesini sağlar ve nöroplastisite yoluyla yeni sinirsel bağlantıların oluşumunu teşvik eder. Araştırmalar, nörofeedback’in dikkat, reaksiyon süresi, karar verme ve duygusal düzenleme üzerinde olumlu etkiler sunduğunu göstermektedir. Atıcılık, okçuluk, golf ve tenis gibi bireysel sporlardan takım sporlarına kadar geniş bir uygulama alanı vardır. Ayrıca, rehabilitasyon süreçlerinde ve spor sakatlıklarının iyileştirilmesinde de giderek daha fazla kullanılmaktadır.

Sonuç: Nörofeedback’in kanıtlanmış potansiyeline rağmen, küçük örneklem grupları ve yüksek uygulama maliyetleri gibi faktörler bu yöntemin sporda yaygın olarak benimsenmesini sınırlamaktadır. Uygulamadaki yerini güçlendirmek adına daha geniş kapsamlı ampirik çalışmalara ve maliyet-etkin entegrasyon stratejilerine ihtiyaç vardır.

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Author Biographies

  • Suna Dincel

    Ph.D. Student, Gazi University, Sport Science Faculty, Physical Education and Sports Department

  • Ebru Çetin, Gazi University

    Prof. Dr., Gazi University, Sport Science Faculty, Physical Education and Sports Department

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Published

16.08.2025

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Section

Sport Sciences and Physical Education

How to Cite

Dincel, S., & Çetin, E. (2025). A psychological ergogenic aid in sports: The use of neurofeedback: Sporda bir psikolojik ergojenik yardımcı: Nörofeedback kullanımı. Journal of Human Sciences, 22(2), 216-224. https://doi.org/10.14687/jhs.v22i2.6559