# Associations Between Neurofeedback, Anthropometrics, Technical, Physical, and Tactical Performance in Young Women’s Football Players

## TL;DR

This study explores how neurofeedback training improves performance in young female football players by linking brain activity to physical, technical, and tactical skills.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach of using neurofeedback to enhance football performance in young women through targeted brain activity training.

## Key findings

- Neurofeedback training showed significant associations with motor efficiency and decision-making in football players.
- Correlation coefficients between neurofeedback outcomes and performance metrics ranged from 0.504 to 0.998.
- The study found statistically significant improvements across physical, technical, and tactical performance dimensions.

## Abstract

Background: Neurofeedback training has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing performance by targeting specific brain activity patterns linked to motor skills, decision-making, and concentration. This study aimed to explore the associations between neurofeedback outcomes and football-specific performance metrics, including anthropometric, physical, technical, and tactical dimensions. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to examine the effects of a six-week neurofeedback training program on motor skills, tactical decision-making, and physical performance in young women’s football players (n = 8, aged 14–18). Participants underwent 30-min sessions three times a week targeting sensorimotor rhythms (SMRs) in the 12–15 Hz range within virtual football scenarios. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included anthropometric measures, neurophysiological evaluations, Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test (LSST), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1). Tactical decision-making was evaluated with a FUT-SAT-based instrument, and biological maturity was estimated using the Mirwald equations. Results: Statistical analyses using Pearson’s correlations revealed significant associations between neurofeedback outcomes, motor efficiency indices (MEIs), decision-making (DM), and football performance metrics. Correlation coefficients ranged from 0.504 to 0.998, with p-values from 0.010 to <0.001, indicating significant associations across physical, technical, and tactical dimensions. Conclusions: This study highlights the beneficial impact of neurofeedback on football performance in young female athletes.