Training the brain: How neurofeedback impacts shooting performance

Ever wondered how you can improve your aim? Scientists decided to find out by training some young air pistol shooters using something called neurofeedback. This method teaches the brain to control specific waves, known as alpha waves, in the temporal region of the cerebral cortex. They wanted to see if this could enhance shooting performance and cortical activity better than just physical skills training alone. The researchers monitored the EEG activity and shooting scores of 20 healthy shooters, divided into two groups: one doing neurofeedback training and the other focusing solely on physical skills. This training lasted for 16 sessions over six weeks. To make it interesting, they looked at three different types of alpha waves: low, high, and a mix called broad-band. They also checked how these waves interacted between the left and right sides of the brain, just before the shooters pulled the trigger. The results were intriguing. Shooters who did neurofeedback saw a boost in their low and high alpha power across both sides of the brain. However, there weren't any noticeable changes in the way the two sides of the brain communicated, as measured by coherence. Surprisingly, this improved performance didn't just stick to the targeted area—it showed up at other spots too, hinting at a broader effect on the brain's activity. So, what does this mean? Well, it seems neurofeedback can definitely help improve precision aiming skills. But it's also clear that the brain doesn't play by simple rules. The effects of neurofeedback training can spread beyond the targeted areas, making the brain work more efficiently overall.