Optimizing Session Frequency in EEG Biofeedback: A Comparative Study of Protocol Dynamics and Neuromuscular Adaptation in Elite Judo Athletes.

Alicja Markiel, Dariusz Skalski, Kinga Łosińska, Marcin Żak, Adam Maszczyk

Abstract readRandomized Controlled TrialComparative Study

In one paragraph

Trial report in Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Alicja MarkielInstitute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland.

Dariusz SkalskiFaculty of Physical Culture, Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland.

Kinga ŁosińskaFaculty of Physical Culture, Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland.ORCID 0009-0009-0227-106X

Marcin ŻakInstitute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland.

Adam MaszczykInstitute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland.ORCID 0000-0001-9139-9747

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe optimal frequency of EEG biofeedback sessions for elite athletes remains unclear, despite growing adoption of neurofeedback in high-performance sport.

methodsThis randomized, controlled study compared three EEG biofeedback protocols (daily, every-other-day, every-third-day) in 24 national-level male judo athletes stratified into three phenotypic groups. Each protocol comprised 15 standardized sessions. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included functional indices (strength, power) and neurophysiological measures (Frontal Alpha Index, EMG amplitude/RMS, corrected strength sum). Biosensor performance was validated via signal quality metrics.

resultsDaily EEG biofeedback produced superior improvements in strength, FAI, and fatigue resistance. Although LRG showed the largest pre-post RMS increase (+17.44 μV vs. +16.54 μV in HRG), HRG maintained the highest post-intervention RMS values and best fatigue resistance (MF_drop = -2.15 Hz). Significant group × time interactions were observed for FAI (

conclusionsSession frequency is critical for optimizing neurofeedback interventions in elite athletes. Daily EEG biofeedback confers superior adaptation compared to less frequent dosing.

Indexed as

Adaptation, PhysiologicalAthletesBiofeedback, PsychologyElectroencephalographyMartial ArtsNeurofeedbackAdultElectromyographyHumansMaleYoung Adultbiosensor validationcortical plasticitydose–response relationshipfatigue resistancefrontal alpha indexindividual responder phenotypesmotor learning consolidationmotor unit recruitment

Identifiers

PMID41977863

DOI10.3390/s26072077

PMCPMC13074261

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LicenceCC BY

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.