The influence of neurofeedback on the β-rhythm of the brain on the characteristics of attention in athletes with different training orientations

Modern scientific research has shown that neurofeedback optimizes the functioning of the nervous system as a whole, increases the efficiency and productivity of various types of activities. In clinical practice, neurofeedback based on the β-rhythm of the brain has been effective in correcting conditions associated with decreased attention, promoting concentration and behavioral improvements. However, the influence of neurofeedback on the β-rhythm of the brain on the attention processes of athletes with different training orientations has not yet been sufficiently studied. Objective. Studying the effect of neurofeedback on the β-rhythm of the brain on the characteristics of attention in athletes with different training orientations. Material and methods. The study involved male athletes aged 18—22 years old, divided into 5 groups by sport and a comparison group. The course of neurofeedback on the β-rhythm of the brain consisted of 10 sessions, including graphic and game sessions, in which it was necessary to select a strategy for raising the β-rhythm of the brain during muscle relaxation, implemented under conditions of visual and auditory biofeedback. The characteristics of attention were studied using the Schulte method. Results. The initial values of the studied characteristics of attention in the comparison group (CG) did not have reliably significant differences with similar indicators in the studied groups of athletes with different training orientations. Analysis of the dynamics of attention indicators in the GS showed a tendency, without significant changes, to improve the efficiency of attention (EA) and the total time of work in the test. A course of neurofeedback based on the β-rhythm of the brain contributed to the improvement of attention characteristics in athletes, depending on the direction of the training process. EA increased to a high level in young men of cyclic, game, complex-coordination sports and among martial artists, and in athletes of speed-strength sports — to a level above average. Athletes of all studied groups who completed the course of β-training increased the speed of development with consistently high values in representatives of cyclic sports, in almost all groups the stability of attention increased to a high level (p≤0.05), with the best values in the coordination sports, among team sports athletes the indicator reached an average level. Conclusion. Optimization of attention characteristics when using neurofeedback according to the β-rhythm of the brain in athletes is specific depending on the direction of the training process, and in total leads to a significant improvement in the studied indicators.