Effect of Bio-Neural Feedback Exercises on the Performance of Female Rugby Players

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of neurofeedback training on the performance of female rugby players.
Methods: The research design was a quasi-experimental with control and experimental groups. Twenty-four girl rugby players between 16-25 years old from Alborz province were randomly placed in two equal 12-subjects groups. Neurofeedback training carried out for 15 sessions, three times per week. Neurofeedback training group protocols were alpha/theta training in Pz area and SMR / theta protocol in the C3 area for 20 minutes. Data were collected from the pre-test and post-test to measure rugby performance including an accuracy test for passing and shooting. The nonparametric mann–whitney u test was used for data analysis.
Results: The results showed that the accuracy of left and right passing were increased after neurofeedback training. But, no significant improvement in the performance of shooting accuracy was observed.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that neurofeedback training can be an effective method to boost the optimal performance of athletes in sports requiring accuracy like passing in rugby.