Netflix’s “Quarterback”
This summer, the new Netflix series “Quarterback” captivated many American viewers. A particular scene from this series has potentially shifted public perception about neurofeedback therapy, highlighting its significance in a new and intriguing light.
Neurofeedback therapy, or EEG biofeedback, uses sensors to monitor brain activity and provides feedback, helping individuals learn to regulate their brainwave patterns. At MyBrainDR, we start with a qEEG brain map that is compared to a normative database, reviewed with professionals, and a customized treatment plan is created tailored to the goals of the individual client.
What is Neurofeedback Therapy?
This technique has applications in improving cognitive abilities and enhancing sports performance, as seen in the show “Quarterback” by Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Kirk Cousins, who uses neurofeedback for better focus and performance in football.
Imagine your brainwaves are like your performance on the field. In neurofeedback sessions, when your brainwaves are in the optimal zone, like making a perfect play, the TV image (or another feedback signal) becomes clearer or brighter. If you miss a catch, the TV image dims, or gets darker. It’s like training your brain to stay in the best condition for optimal performance, just as you practice plays and strategies in football.
Neurofeedback for Kirk Cousins
Neurofeedback helps athletes like Kirk Cousins by training the brain to improve focus, emotional regulation, and decision-making skills. This can lead to enhanced sports performance, as a well-regulated brain can better handle the pressures and quick decisions required in high-stakes environments like professional football. For Cousins, this could mean improved concentration during games, faster and more accurate responses to dynamic situations, and better management of stress and emotions. This holistic approach to mental training complements physical training, offering a comprehensive strategy for peak athletic performance.
Neurofeedback for All Athletes
Neurofeedback therapy has become increasingly popular among athletes of other sports for its potential to enhance sports performance. Elite athletes, including Lucas Giolito (baseball), Kerri Walsh-Jennings (beach volleyball), and Chris Kaman (basketball), have attributed improvements in their game to neurofeedback. They reported enhanced concentration, better mood regulation, and increased focus as key benefits. For instance, Lucas Giolito credited neurofeedback for his remarkable improvement from being the weakest starter to becoming an American League All-Star pitcher. Similarly, Kerri Walsh-Jennings included brain training in her regimen for the Olympics, which she felt contributed to her success.
In addition to improving mental agility and focus, neurofeedback has also been linked to improved sleep quality. Better sleep is essential for athletes as it impacts both physical and mental performance. Furthermore, neurofeedback is recognized for its role in slowing cognitive decline and recovery of traumatic brain injury thus maintaining brain health and athletic performance as athletes age and continue their sport.
In Summary
In conclusion, neurofeedback therapy represents a cutting-edge approach to enhancing athletic performance, offering benefits that extend beyond the traditional realms of physical training. It’s a tool that athletes like Kirk Cousins and others across various sports have successfully used to refine their mental focus, emotional control, and decision-making abilities — all vital components for peak athletic performance. Whether it’s improving concentration, managing stress, or even aiding in recovery from injuries, neurofeedback provides a holistic avenue for athletes to not only excel in their sport but also maintain optimal brain health over time. This innovative technique underscores the growing recognition of mental training in sports, paving the way for a new era of athletic performance enhancement.
Key Takeaways
- Neurofeedback can is used by professional athletes to aid in their performance.
- Sleep, focus, mood regulation, reaction-speed, and concentration are all benefited from neurofeedback.
- At MyBrainDR, a customized treatment plan is provided based on goals with our qualified practitioner in Raleigh, North Carolina.
