Peak Performance:

Sports and Peak Performance

I have always been a strong long-distance swimmer, but as my chronic pain condition became worse over time, my muscular function weakened and swimming became painful: my muscles ‘revolted' if put under duress. Consequently, I could only swim gently and for shorter periods, which was mentally debilitating, as I wanted to improve rather than curtail athletic performance. I also had to take pain killers on a daily basis, which blocked the pain, but their side effect limited peak performance (both physical and mental). During EEG Neurofeedback training, not only did the chronic pain subside, (so swimming was no longer a struggle), but muscle function was greatly improved so I was able to build up strength and stamina. I stopped taking pain killers and I felt increased mental clarity. Now, I feel as if I am in optimum physical health. In addition I have signed up to do a swimathon. Six months ago I would not have believed I would be capable of this.

For those who have considered taking steroids to increase muscular bulk, EEG Neurofeedback can aid muscle-building naturally and gradually (this is because the parts of the brain that deal with muscle growth can be trained to respond more quickly to physical training).

As EEG Neurofeedback training teaches the brain to recognise its peak performance state, sport ability can be dramatically improved because the mind learns to maintain its optimum levels of concentration and focus.

I can see, through my experience of EEG Neurofeedback, that the ‘key' to many health problems (both physical and mental) lies in our own brains. The training unlocks the ‘door', so we can alter and aid our own brain function.

Francesca Franklyn