Modulation of neuroendocrine and autonomic responses to competitive stress by slow cortical potentials training in golfers: An exploratory randomized controlled trial.

Some heart-rate-variability measures favored training, but putting performance did not significantly improve.

Lizama E, Carcamo-Herrera B, López G, Pereira C, Serrano MA.
Psychoneuroendocrinology · Publication date: 2026-06-07
Added to site: 2026-09-14
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2026.107934

First electronic publication June 7, 2026; September issue date is not new publication. Historical library addition.

Modalities

Neurofeedback

Clinical focus

Performance, Stress

Population

Amateur and semi-professional golfers

Sample

42 participants, 21 per group

Intervention / method

Eight weeks of slow cortical potential neurofeedback

Comparator

Wait-list control, not sham

Clinician summary

Hormonal changes occurred in both groups at the second simulated tournament. Post-training gameplay HRV findings were exploratory, not evidence of improved sporting performance.

How to interpret the findings

Small exploratory trial without active sham; repeated competition exposure complicates interpretation. Safety details were unavailable in the abstract.

Equipment and disclosures

Equipment details were not verified from the reviewed abstract.

PubMed reproduces the authors’ declaration of no known competing financial interests or influential personal relationships. Funding was not verified.

Related evidence

Compare findings from the same clinical area, including mixed results.

• Error Related Negativity and Error Positivity: Neural Indices of Double-Faults in Elite Athletes. · Positive with limitations
• The effect of heart rate variability biofeedback training on stress and anxiety: a meta-analysis. · Positive with limitations
• The potential of infra-low frequency neurofeedback training in peak performance: The first double-blinded placebo-controlled longitudinal study in healthy adults. · Neutral / negative
• Regulation in acute stress experience through functional near-infrared spectroscopy neurofeedback of the prefrontal cortex. · Positive with limitations
• One-Week Home-Based HRV Biofeedback with Supervised Sessions Versus Passive Relaxation: Effects on Autonomic, Sensorimotor Functions and Kata Performance in Eastern Martial Arts Athletes. · Mixed
• Acute Psychophysiological Effects Of 4-7-8 And Nadi Shodhana Breathing: A Randomized Crossover Study. · Mixed
• The Effects of Alpha-Theta EEG Biofeedback Training on Anxiety and Stress: Novel Use of Hair Cortisol Concentration as a Biomarker · Positive with limitations