Effect of neurofeedback training on motor performance and gaze behavior of Expert shooters: two month follow-up

Background and Aims The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of neurofeedback training on motor performance and gaze behavior (Quiet eye duration) of skilled shooters. Methods The research was a semi-experimental and intergroup study and the research design included an experimental group and a control group including pre-test, post-test and two-month follow-up stages. Among the professional shooters of Tehran province, 30 people with the age range of 18 to 29 years were randomly placed in two groups of 15 people. The neurofeedback training group participated both in the neurofeedback training and in the shooting training at the same time, which consisted of 10 30-minute sessions. The intended protocol included alpha suppression with a frequency band of 8-12 Hz and in the F4 position for each subject The duration of the quiet eye was measured using the Ergonir eye movement tracking device and the movement performance of the shooters from the standard air gun aiming test was directly evaluated using special scoring forms. Finally, the results were analyzed in SPSS software and with appropriate statistical tests. Results The research results showed that the neurofeedbback training group a significant increase in motor performance variables and the duration of quiet eyes (milliseconds) (P<0/05). In the shooters' movement performance variable, the comparison of the groups in the post-test stage showed that there is a significant difference between the control group and the neurofeedback training group(P<0/05). Conclusion In summary, the findings of the present study showed that neurofeedback training increases the performance of skilled shooters, but the control group did not have any significant changes from the pre-test to the two-month follow-up test. Therefore, the superiority of neurofeedback training in motor performance and the duration of quiet eyes is the final result of this research.