Comparison of the Effectiveness of Neurofeedback and Mindfulness Training in Improving Executive Functions (Attention, Inhibition Response, Working Memory, Planning, and Cognitive Flexibility) among Athletic Students

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Neurofeedback and Mindfulness Training in Improving Executive Functions among Athletic Students

In the present study, there were 20 subjects in each group where a total of 60 qualified people with the desired age range were selected and 20 participants were randomly assigned to each of the groups, including neurofeedback group, mindfulness group, and control group.

The research was conducted at the Faculty of Physical Education in Kharazmi University. Then, all participants in the experimental groups and control groups will take the pre-test and all three groups will be assessed by executive function tests. Subsequently, participants in the neurofeedback group will undergo the number of sixteen 45-minute sessions of neurofeedback training (Beta / Theta / Teta / SMR protocol) during 8 weeks; and participants in the Mindfulness Group only will receive eight 45-minute sessions of mindfulness exercises during eight weeks. However, the control group will not receive any training.

Inclusion criteria ؛ Physical and Mental Health (Not Taking Psychiatric Drugs) ؛ They should be Physical Education students at Bachelor's program (at least second-semester students and at most eighth-semester students). ؛ Be a boy student exclusion criteria ؛ Participants who have undergone surgery in the cranium area or have had a problem with their nervous system. (People with certain diseases in the head area)

؛ the neurofeedback group receive neurofeedback training twice a week during 8 weeks. ؛ the mindfulness group receive mindfulness training once a week during 8 weeks. ؛ The control group receives no training

Attention; response inhibition; working memory; planning; cognitive flexibility

STUDENT

Regarding the entry criteria, simple random method will be used for sampling. The researcher will go to physical education students, and the students will be registered. According to the entry criteria, the eligible individuals will stay and we prepare a list of them. Then, 60 people will be selected randomly and will be assigned to three 20-member groups and, eventually, we allocate the assignments. The randomization unit is of an individual type. Using the random number table, we take out and select the numbers. Due to the limited statistical population, simple random sampling is used. The assignment of numbers to participants is possible only by the researcher, and the other individuals are not aware of these numbers.