Supporting mental training with wearable neurotechnologies to improve performance in sport

In order to limit the negative impact of pre-competition anxiety and foster mental strength, athletes often undergo mental training via focusing and awareness techniques. Recently it was proposed that the outcome of those techniques might be improved by supporting mental practice with brain-sensing devices. The present study aimed at investigating the potential of such technology-supported approach for enhancing cognitive control abilities in athletes. A group of semi-professional players completed an intensive 14-day mental training protocol with the support of dedicated wearable brain-sensing devices. While the athletes practiced focused attention meditation, devices provided them with real-time feedback on their focused vs. distracted mindset. The comparison of pre- and post-training performance at neuropsychological tests, together with the analyses of electrophysiological and autonomic responses, highlighted: improved scores at tests tapping on attention and cognitive control; heightened electrophysiological markers of attention orientation; decreased arousal during a cognitive stressor task. First findings hint at the potential of intensive technology-supported mental training for fostering adaptive improvements of cognitive performance efficiency in athletes.