Prognostic value of EEG modifications after neurobiofeedback treatment in athletes

The scientific work of the last decade demonstrates the active use of biofeedback in elite training. However, the main attention is paid to the protocols for neurobiofeedback sessions and their final result (improving the functional state, competitive performance, etc.), while changes in central regulatory mechanisms remain insufficiently studied. Aim. The paper aims to study the prognostic value of neurodynamic changes in EEG indicators after neurobiofeedback treatment in elite athletes. Materials and methods. The study involved elite athletes of various sports. The first group included athletes with a title of the Candidate for Master of Sports (n = 18), the second group consisted of Masters of Sports and International Class Masters of Sports (n = 22). The average age of participants was 18.4 ± 0.1 years. All athletes underwent a 15-day neurobiofeedback treatment with the BOSLAB-ALPHA equipment aimed at increasing EEG spectral power in the alpha range. Before and after neurofeedback treatment, EEG was recorded in athletes under standard conditions (lying with closed eyes, monopolar electrode placement, reference ear electrodes). Brain biopotentials were found for 16 leads in four frequency ranges. For all athletes, the effectiveness of competitive activity was assessed, which was considered successful if it exceeded the result obtained at previous competitions of the same rank. Statistical analysis of the data obtained was carried out using the SPSS 13.0 software product. Results: Analysis of the results obtained showed no differences in terms of neurobiofeedback success between the groups studied. The probability of a match between successful treatment and successful performance in the first group was not established, while in the second group it was 71 % (r Kendall = 0.42; at p = 0.024). Discriminant analysis showed that predictors of successful performance included different combinations of post-training EEG indicators. Conclusion: The results obtained reveal different correlations between successful neurobiofeedback treatment and successful performance among the Candidates for Master of Sports, Masters of Sports or International Class Masters of Sports. Each group is characterized by its own combination of post-training EEG indicators, which allows to accurately predict successful performance in athletes.