title: Proficient brain for optimal performance: the MAP model perspective.
abstract: Background. The main goal of the present study was to explore theta and alpha event-related desynchronization/synchronization (ERD/ERS) activity during shooting performance. We adopted the idiosyncratic framework of the multi-action plan (MAP) model to investigate different processing modes underpinning four types of performance. In particular, we were interested in examining the neural activity associated with optimal-automated (Type 1) and optimal-controlled (Type 2) performances. Methods. Ten elite shooters (6 male and 4 female) with extensive international experience participated in the study. ERD/ERS analysis was used to investigate cortical dynamics during performance. A 4 × 3 (performance types × time) repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to test the differences among the four types of performance during the three seconds preceding the shots for theta, low alpha, and high alpha frequency bands. The dependent variables were the ERD/ERS percentages in each frequency band (i.e., theta, low alpha, high alpha) for each electrode site across the scalp. This analysis was conducted on 120 shots for each participant in three different frequency bands and the individual data were then averaged. Results. We found ERS to be mainly associated with optimal-automatic performance, in agreement with the "neural efficiency hypothesis." We also observed more ERD as related to optimal-controlled performance in conditions of "neural adaptability" and proficient use of cortical resources. Discussion. These findings are congruent with the MAP conceptualization of four performance states, in which unique psychophysiological states underlie distinct performance-related experiences. From an applied point of view, our findings suggest that the MAP model can be used as a framework to develop performance enhancement strategies based on cognitive and neurofeedback techniques.
authors.affiliation: BIND-Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bertollo
authors.affiliation: BIND-Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: Selenia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: di Fronso
authors.affiliation: BIND-Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; School of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Edson
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Filho
authors.affiliation: Department of Engineering, Roma Tre University , Rome , Italy.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Conforto
authors.affiliation: Department of Engineering, Roma Tre University , Rome , Italy.
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.affiliation: BIND-Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bortoli
authors.affiliation: BIND-Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Comani
authors.affiliation: BIND-Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Robazza
keywords: Attention; Attentional control theory; EEG; ERD/ERS; Neural efficiency; Performance effectiveness; Performance optimization; Processing efficiency; Sport