Biofeedback training can enhance esports players’ shooting performance in an aiming task: focusing on cortical activity and gaze movement

High-skilled esports players have unique cortical activity and gaze control, both of which are closely linked to their performance. To enhance key aspects of esports performance—shot time and accuracy—the current study implemented two training methods: a cortical activity-based method (Experiment 1) and a gaze control-based method (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, a three-channel electroencephalogram headset was used to provide participants with real-time feedback on central lobe activity associated with sustained attention. Twenty-one participants were randomly assigned to the training group (10 participants) and sham group (11 participants). The training group received auditory feedback based on the power of theta and alpha power, while the sham group received auditory feedback not related to central lobe activity. In Experiment 2, an eye-tracker was used to measure the gaze movement and provide feedback. The feedback was provided to help participants maintain their gaze on-center. Twenty-one participants were randomly assigned to the training group (11 participants) and the sham group (10 participants). The training group received warning sounds when their gaze deviated from the off-center, promoting centralized gaze control, whereas the sham group received no such feedback. Participants‘ age and gaming experience were controlled to minimize confounding factors. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in shot time for the training group in both Experiment 1 (Mdn = -30.3ms) and Experiment 2 (Mdn = -47.2ms), with no significant changes in the sham group (all p > .05). Therefore, biofeedback training methods can reduce shot time, one of the critical performance indicators in esports. • We implement attention training and peripheral vision methods for enhancing the reaction speed and accuracy of esports players. • Attention training significantly reduced shot times (Mdn: -30.3ms) in esports players by improving their attention, and the result was supported by a reduction in central alpha power. • Peripheral vision training significantly reduced shot times (Mdn: -47.2ms) in esports players by enhancing peripheral vision skills, and this finding was supported by a narrower gaze distribution. • This reduction in shot time was achieved without a significant reduction in accuracy.