Peak Performance

This preliminary study examined the effects of 16 neurofeedback (NF) sessions on levels of depression , anxiety, and academic self-efficacy in college students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The results suggest that NF is a viable option for alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as improving academic self-efficacy in college students with ADHD.

The article introduces a model integrating psychoanalytic psychotherapy with neurofeedback, in a case of performance anxiety in a professional musician. The author uses a neurofeedback approach that is comprehensive and adaptive, emphasizing a renormalizing of brainwaves, rather than producing specific states or shifts in particular bandwidths in the EEG. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is used to address the musician’s history of traumatic loss. The case is outlined, and improvements are described in terms of optimized musical performance and improved coping under pressure.

This is the third in a series of special issues on the use of biofeedback, neurofeedback, and related interventions in optimal performance (spring 2011, fall 2011, and spring 2012). (AAPB members will find the previous issues available online through the AAPB Web site.) Earlier issues focused to a great extent on sports, including Olympic winners, and artists, with a few extensions to everyday life. In this issue, the emphasis is that optimal performance is a paradigm and an approach applicable in almost any setting. Biofeedback is an effective tool to help humans discover unrealized potential.

For sport neuroscience and psychophysiology researchers and practitioners, deciding what instrumentation to use can be challenging. To help keep up with the proliferation of neuropsychophysiological monitoring devices that range from basic consumer to advanced research grade systems, a select review of psychophysiological/neuroscience monitoring equipment that is available for purchase is presented. We have primarily featured systems that are used to monitor cardiac and brain activity. While the listed companies may manufacture a number of systems with differing capabilities, we only included one device per manufacturer that we deemed to be the most advanced and useful for the field of applied sport neuroscience and psychophysiology (applied practice & research). Instrumentation that is ambulatory and capable of wireless on-the playing-field recording is specified. Additional information on the presented systems can be obtained on the manufacturer’s website or via e-mail.

The technology supports the highly intuitive and sensitive child’s transition to more consistent reactions. No Performance pressure No Judgment Enjoyment rather than pressure to change Supportive of here and now.