scholarly journals Theta Neurofeedback Training Supports Motor Performance and Flow Experience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathrin C. J. Eschmann ◽  
Lisa Riedel ◽  
Axel Mecklinger
Keyword(s):  
Motor Performance ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Theta Activity ◽  
Flow Experience ◽  
Cognitive State ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Control Processes ◽  
Frontal Midline Theta ◽  
Back Task

Abstract Flow is defined as a cognitive state that is associated with a feeling of automatic and effortless control, enabling peak performance in highly challenging situations. In sports, flow can be enhanced by mindfulness training, which has been associated with frontal theta activity (4-8 Hz). Moreover, frontal-midline theta oscillations were shown to subserve control processes in a large variety of cognitive tasks. Based on previous theta neurofeedback training studies, which revealed that one training session is sufficient to enhance motor performance, the present study investigated whether one 30-minute session of frontal-midline theta neurofeedback training (1) enhances flow experience additionally to motor performance in a finger tapping task, and (2) transfers to cognitive control processes in an n-back task. Participants, who were able to successfully upregulate their theta activity during neurofeedback training (responders), showed better motor performance and flow experience after training than participants, who did not enhance their theta activity (non-responders). Across all participants, increase of theta activity during training was associated with motor performance enhancement from pretest to posttest irrespective of pre-training performance. Interestingly, theta training gains were also linked to the increase of flow experience, even when corresponding increases in motor performance were controlled for. Results for the n-back task were not significant. Even though these findings are mainly correlational in nature and additional flow-promoting influences need to be investigated, the present findings suggest that frontal-midline theta neurofeedback training is a promising tool to support flow experience with additional relevance for performance enhancement.

Theta Oscillations in Primate Prefrontal and Anterior Cingulate Cortices in Forewarned Reaction Time Tasks

2010 ◽  
Vol 103 (2) ◽  
pp. 827-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toru Tsujimoto ◽  
Hideki Shimazu ◽  
Yoshikazu Isomura ◽  
Kazuo Sasaki
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Hand Movement ◽  
Theta Activity ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Theta Oscillations ◽  
Theta Power ◽  
Monkey Model ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Reward Delivery ◽  
Frontal Midline Theta

Previously, we introduced a monkey model for human frontal midline theta oscillations as a possible neural correlate of attention. It was based on homologous theta oscillations found in the monkey's prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices (areas 9 and 32) in a self-initiated hand-movement task. However, it has not been confirmed whether theta activity in the monkey model consistently appears in other situations demanding attention. Here, we examined the detailed properties of theta oscillations in four variations of forewarned reaction time tasks with warning (S1) and imperative (S2) stimuli. We characterized the theta oscillations generated exclusively in areas 9 and 32, as follows: 1) in the S1-S2 interval where movement preparation and reward expectation were presumably involved, the theta power was higher than in the pre-S1 period; 2) in the no-go trials of go/no-go tasks instructed by S1, the theta power in the S1-S2 interval was lower than in the pre-S1 period in an asymmetrical reward condition, whereas it was moderately higher in a symmetrical condition; 3) the theta power after reward delivery was higher than in the unrewarded trials; 4) the theta power in the pre-S1 period was higher than in the resting condition; and 5) when the monkey had to guess the S1-S2 duration internally without seeing S2, the theta power in the pre-S1 period was higher than in the original S1-S2 experiment. These findings suggest that attentional loads associated with different causes can induce the same theta activity, thereby supporting the consistency of attention-dependent theta oscillations in our model.

scholarly journals Role of optimization algorithms based fuzzy controller in achieving induction motor performance enhancement

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Hannan ◽  
Jamal Abd. Ali ◽  
M. S. Hossain Lipu ◽  
A. Mohamed ◽  
Pin Jern Ker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Induction Motor ◽  
Motor Performance ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Fuzzy Controller ◽  
Optimization Algorithms

Frontal Midline Theta Is a Specific Indicator of Optimal Attentional Engagement During Skilled Putting Performance

2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 470-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shih-Chun Kao ◽  
Chung-Ju Huang ◽  
Tsung-Min Hung
Keyword(s):  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Brain Region ◽  
Attentional Control ◽  
Theta Activity ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Golf Putting ◽  
Skilled Performance ◽  
Frontal Brain ◽  
Attentional Engagement ◽  
Frontal Midline Theta

The purpose of this study was to determine whether frontal midline theta activity (Fmθ), an indicator of top-down sustained attention, can be used to distinguish an individual’s best and worst golf putting performances during the pre-putt period. Eighteen golfers were recruited and asked to perform 100 putts in a self-paced simulated putting task. We then compared the Fmθ power of each individual’s 15 best and worst putts. The results indicated that theta power in the frontal brain region significantly increased in both best and worst putts, compared with other midline regions. Moreover, the Fmθ power significantly decreased for the best putts compared with the worst putts. These findings suggest that Fmθ is a manifestation of sustained attention during a skilled performance and that optimal attentional engagement, as characterized by a lower Fmθ power, is beneficial for successful skilled performance rather than a higher Fmθ power reflecting excessive attentional control.

Effects of Centrally Acting Drugs on the Frontal Midline Theta Activity in Man

1986 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 647-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasushi Mizuki ◽  
Junko Hamasaki ◽  
Hitoshi Hirano ◽  
Akira Miyoshi ◽  
Michio Yamada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Theta Activity ◽  
Frontal Midline Theta

Appearance of Frontal Midline Theta Activity in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

2000 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatomo Suetsugi ◽  
Yasushi Mizuki ◽  
Itsuko Ushijima ◽  
Takayoshi Kobayashi ◽  
Ken Tsuchiya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Theta Activity ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Frontal Midline Theta

Frontal midline theta activity and platelet MAO in human subjects

1988 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiko Hashimoto ◽  
Hirokazu Mukasa ◽  
Shigeto Yamada ◽  
Jun Nakamura ◽  
Kazutoyo Inanaga
Keyword(s):  
Human Subjects ◽  
Theta Activity ◽  
Platelet Mao ◽  
Frontal Midline Theta

Differential responses to mental stress in high and low anxious normal humans assessed by frontal midline theta activity

1992 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasushi Mizuki ◽  
Naofumi Kajimura ◽  
Shusaku Kai ◽  
Masatomo Suetsugi ◽  
Itsuko Ushijima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Stress ◽  
Theta Activity ◽  
Frontal Midline Theta ◽  
Normal Humans ◽  
Differential Responses

scholarly journals Enhancement of motor performance by a training method combining motor imagery and neurofeedback

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chosei Sha ◽  
Kaori Tamura ◽  
Tsuyoshi Okamoto
Keyword(s):  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Motor Performance ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Motor Action ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Professional Tennis ◽  
Sports Activities ◽  
Training Protocol

AbstractMotor imagery and neurofeedback have been proposed as motor training approaches, but their effects on the enhancement of motor performance are still controversial. This study aimed to enhance motor performance using a training protocol combining motor imagery and neurofeedback. Seventeen participants were randomly assigned to the training or control group. The training group received real-time electroencephalography activity feedback relative to the motor imagery of the motor action. The control group reiterated the motor imagery of the intended motor action without feedback. The motor performance of the training group was enhanced significantly more than that of the control group. Subsequently, the proposed training protocol was tested in five elite male tennis players to investigate its applicability to sports activities. The motor performance was enhanced in three of these five professional tennis players. Using our training protocol, which combined motor imagery and neurofeedback training, we achieved enhanced motor performance. Furthermore, we could suggest the applicability to sports from the results with world-level tennis players.

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