The influence of EEG-biofeedback training and Beta waves in normoxia and normobaric hypoxia on the bench press in judo athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of EEG -Biofeedback training in normoxic and normobaric hypoxic conditions on bench press improving in elite judo athletes. The study included 20 male elite judo athletes. Each athlete was a member of the Polish National Team and held either an International Master Class (MM) or National Master Class (M) – purposive selection. The research was carried out over two cycles that differed in the external conditions of EEG biofeedback trainings for both the control and experimental groups. The experimental group underwent training under simulated hypoxic conditions The training sessions for the experimental group were conducted at a simulated altitude of 3000m above sea level. Each cycle of the study comprised of 15 training sessions. The control group's study followed the same frequency, and duration of EEG biofeedback training sessions, and demonstrated an identical pattern to that of the experimental group, but in normoxia conditions. In the discussed cycle conducted in hypoxia, a clear upward dynamics of Beta wave values with a growing trend from session 14 was observed. In normoxia, the variability in the EG group had a significantly less dynamic course. In hypoxia, a clear upward dynamics of the achieved PP values with a growing trend from measurement 14 was observed. In normoxia, the discussed measurement cycle conducted in the CG group showed a lesser upward dynamics of achieved PP values with a growing trend from measurement 10. The overall conclusion from these analyses suggests that EEG biofeedback training in hypoxic conditions may have a beneficial impact on brain activity and improvement in muscle strength and power. These results may be of significant importance for sports training and rehabilitation, especially for individuals engaged in sports disciplines requiring physical exertion in low oxygen environments.