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Original Articles

Consumer-Grade Brain Stimulation Devices in Sports: A Challenge for Traditional Sport Psychology?

, &
Pages 473-493 | Received 26 Jul 2017, Accepted 04 Feb 2018, Published online: 05 Mar 2018
 

Abstract

The implementation of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques to improve sports performance is getting more and more popular. There are, however, practical and ethical concerns about the benefits of using NIBS in sports psychology. Two studies on the efficacy of two specific NIBS devices—AVWF method and OGIRO Modulation—were conducted and revealed no obvious benefits for cognitive and mental skills and psychophysiological activity in pupils and sport students. Recommendations derived from the empirical effectiveness of NIBS for the ethical application in routine training protocols are discussed. Finally, we suggest guidelines for sports psychologists who are faced with modern technological devices.