|
|
|
|
English Section Biofeedback and its Use in the Sport Context Mental Preparation to Enhance Performance in Sport Chinese Section
|
Biofeedback
and Its Use in the Sport Context
Ms.
Polina Cheng
Psycho-physiological conditions were identified to associate with performance enhancement. In 1975, Zaichkowsky used biofeedback to modify athletes’ arousal state. The basic idea of biofeedback is to provide individuals with information about what is going on inside their bodies, including their brains (Schwartz, 1977). The major components of a typical, computer based, biofeedback system consists of (a) signal input/amplification unit (b) sensors (c) interface (d) application software and (d) a desktop or laptop computer with printer. Biofeedback uses sensitive electronics to detect and amplify the subtle internal body activities in order to bring these activities to awareness, so that we are able to modify them. It is a learning process but not a treatment itself. Biofeedback devices are thought to shorten the time it takes to learn to control physiological parameters. Effectiveness of Biofeedback are: (1) patients can see the results of their control strategies instantly by monitoring the biofeedback signal and (2) comparing the actual levels of physiological parameter permits accurate calibration of the meaning of sensations to what the body is actually doing (Sherman et al, 1993). Within the context of biofeedback, optimal functioning means performing at the best level for any particular situation. For example, runners use optimal breathing patterns for sustained running. Biofeedback help people to recognize how a physiological system is functioning and learn to form a habit of controlling the system so it works optimally (Blumenstein & Bar-Eli, 2002). Psycho-physiological signals which are most commonly recorded include: (1) Muscle tension (EMG) (2) Heart Rate (3) Sweating in response to stress (SC/GSR) (4) Respiration (5) Temperature/blood flow (6) Electroencephalogram (EEG). Since1990s’, HKSI has been using biofeedback as part of their mental training to help the elite athletes in Hong Kong to understand their emotional state in order to achieve self regulation during competitions. Skin Conductance, as a psycho-physiological parameter, was presented to illustrate how biofeedback was used in the sport context. References
|
