Neurofeedback: A Tool to Enhance Sports Performance

Updated: July 20, 2026

How Are Elite Athletes Using Neurofeedback to Boost Performance?

During the last few decades, the use of neurofeedback techniques to achieve better athletic performance has been a booming subject. More and more athletes use mental training each day to achieve the ultimate competitive edge.

Some of the most well-known examples include the Italian football team that won the 2006 World Cup final in Germany against France, with several players reportedly using neurofeedback to train focus, concentration, and 'getting into the zone' ahead of the tournament.¹ Australian football player Drew Petrie has also used neurofeedback to sharpen his shooting.² Beach-volleyball stars Kerri Walsh-Jennings and Misty May-Treanor were reported to have used neurofeedback training on their way to winning gold at the London 2012 Olympics.³

These are just a few examples of the growing success of brain training in enhancing sports performance.

Can Neurofeedback Improve Focus, Emotional Control, and Balance in Sports?

Neurotherapy helps train concentration and focus, which are crucial for sports that require accurate aiming, such as archery, shooting, or golf, especially during putting. Emotional control to reduce anxiety while dealing with pressure and stressful situations can also be achieved. Another area where neurofeedback may hold potential for improving athletic performance is in facilitating greater physical balance. Consider the benefits that improvements in balance might have for enhancing performance in gymnastics, skiing, ice-skating, hockey, or skateboarding.

What Is the Science of Neuroplasticity Behind Neurofeedback Training?

The benefits of neurofeedback have their roots in our capacity for the enhancement of brain function that is directly related to the brain's ability to act and react in ever-changing ways, which is known as neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity has been widely studied in the last decade, and it has been proven that changes occurring directly after brainwave training induce lasting effects. The human brain is incredibly adaptive, and it's possible to control the way it adapts by training it.

Which EEG Brainwave Patterns Are Linked to Athletic Performance?

During concentration tasks, an increase of alpha activity followed by a decrease of theta, beta, and gamma, particularly at central parietal areas, can be observed in the EEG. Relaxation/concentration training paradigms may involve alpha-theta ratio training. During tasks that require focused attention, the enhancement of beta and the inhibition of theta in central areas have also been acknowledged. Alpha event-related desynchronization (ERD) in central areas has been proven to be related to successful golf putting. Inhibition of beta activity in the occipital area has also been proven to be related to successful physical balance. There are many studies available online, and researchers continue to explore new possible neurofeedback treatments to enhance athletes' performance.⁴,⁵,⁶,⁷

Can Neurofeedback Be Combined with Other Biofeedback Signals?

Some biofeedback systems use other physiological measurements than EEG, such as skin conductance (also known as galvanic skin response) or heart rate variability. The combination of information delivered from various physiological sources can improve the capabilities of current neurofeedback solutions. Biofeedback continues to establish itself as an ordinary tool for body and mental training in sports as well as in many other fields.

For those interested in integrating neurofeedback into practice, contact us to explore a wearable platform that combines EEG monitoring with neurostimulation, designed for both research and applied training environments.

References

1. Montreal Gazette. "Neurofeedback and the Italian football team." canada.com/montrealgazette

2. YouTube. "Drew Petrie neurofeedback training." youtube.com/watch?v=mCANiMrpHYU

3. The Wall Street Journal. "How neurofeedback helped Kerri Walsh-Jennings and Misty May-Treanor." online.wsj.com

4. Brainmaster. "Neurofeedback and golf performance." brainmaster.com

5. Brain Advantage. "Neurofeedback and sports." brainadvantage.com

6. National Taiwan Normal University. Research report. ntnu.edu.tw

7. American Board of Sport Psychology. Hammond, J. americanboardofsportpsychology.org