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

Carvalho, Sílvio; Bezerra, Pedro; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Forte, Pedro; Silva, Rui M.; Cancela-Carral, José Maria

http://hdl.handle.net/10198/35458

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Authors

Carvalho, Sílvio

Bezerra, Pedro

Teixeira, José Eduardo

Forte, Pedro

Silva, Rui M.

Cancela-Carral, José Maria

Abstract(s)

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. 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. 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. This study highlights the beneficial impact of neurofeedback on football performance in young female athletes.

Keywords

Neurofeedback Soccer Performance Decision-making Motor skills

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10198/35458

Citation

Carvalho, Silvio; Bezerra, Pedro; Teixeira, Jose E.; Forte, Pedro; Silva, Rui M.; Cancela-Carral, Jose Maria (2025). Associations Between Neurofeedback, Anthropometrics, Technical, Physical, and Tactical Performance in Young Women's Football Players. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. ISSN 2411-5142. 10:4, p. 1-16