title: Neurofeedback training for peak performance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  One of the applications of the Neurofeedback methodology is peak performance in sport. The protocols of the neurofeedback are usually based on an assessment of the spectral parameters of spontaneous EEG in resting state conditions. The aim of the paper was to study whether the intensive neurofeedback training of a well-functioning Olympic athlete who has lost his performance confidence after injury in sport, could change the brain functioning reflected in changes in spontaneous EEG and event related potentials (ERPs).
  
  
  METHODS
  The case is presented of an Olympic athlete who has lost his performance confidence after injury in sport. He wanted to resume his activities by means of neurofeedback training. His QEEG/ERP parameters were assessed before and after 4 intensive sessions of neurotherapy. Dramatic and statistically significant changes that could not be explained by error measurement were observed in the patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neurofeedback training in the subject under study increased the amplitude of the monitoring component of ERPs generated in the anterior cingulate cortex, accompanied by an increase in beta activity over the medial prefrontal cortex. Taking these changes together, it can be concluded that that even a few sessions of neurofeedback in a high performance brain can significantly activate the prefrontal cortical areas associated with increasing confidence in sport performance.
authors.affiliation: Gdansk University of Physical Education & Sport, Poland.
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Graczyk
authors.affiliation: Chair of Neuropsychology, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pąchalska
authors.affiliation: Gdansk University of Physical Education & Sport, Poland.
authors.forename: Artur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ziółkowski
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Grzegorz
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mańko
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
authors.forename: Beata
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Łukaszewska
authors.affiliation: Gdansk University of Physical Education & Sport, Poland.
authors.forename: Kazimierz
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kochanowicz
authors.affiliation: Chair of Neuropsychology, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mirski
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of the Institute of the Human Brain of Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia; Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Iurii D
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Kropotov
mesh_terms: D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D006179:Gyrus Cinguli / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D058765:Neurofeedback; D011044:Poland; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult