EEG-EMG coupling and functional neuroplasticity in elite combat athletes: Effects of neurofeedback training on corticomuscular coherence and performance

Alicja Markiel, Institute of Sport Science, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, PolandFollow
Kinga Łosińska, Institute of Sport Science, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, PolandFollow
Marcin Żak, Institute of Sport Science, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, PolandFollow
Adam Maszczyk, 1. Institute of Sport Science, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland; 2. Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk, PolandFollow

Abstract

Background: Neurofeedback training has gained attention as a neuroplasticity based intervention for athletic performance, yet pathways linking cortical oscillatory modulation to neuromuscular adaptation and strength remain poorly characterized in elite combat athletes. Objective: This study examines whether EEG neurofeedback targeting sensorimotor alpha upregulation and frontal theta/delta modulation enhances cortico-muscular coherence, neuromuscular function, and maximal strength in elite MMA athletes. Methods: Thirty elite male MMA athletes (n = 10/arm) were randomized to intensive neurofeedback (E20G, 20 sessions), abbreviated neurofeedback (E15G, 15 sessions), or sham control. EEG spectral indices, EMG parameters (RMS, MF, iEMG, onset latency), beta band CMC, and maximal strength (%1RM) were analyzed using mixed effects models, mediation analyses, and responder profiling. Results: Both protocols produced large alpha power in-creases (E20G: d = 5.58, 95% CI [3.06, 8.11]; E15G: d = 5.11, 95% CI [2.79, 7.43]), significant beta-band CMC enhancement (E20G: Δ = +0.15, p = 0.002), and substantial RMS gains (E20G: +29.9 μV, d = 5.21; E15G: +25.0 μV, d = 4.21). Strength improved by 10.0% (E20G, d = 2.84) and 9.0% (E15G, d = 3.56), both p < 0.001. Sham control showed no neurophysiological adaptation (Alpha_C3 d = 0.21, RMS d = 0.55; both p > 0.05) but a training related strength gain (Δ = +3.8%, p < 0.001). Neurofeedback effects were fully mediated through sequential EEG-EMG adaptations (β = 0.34, p = 0.008), with 88–91% retention at 1-week follow-up. Active arms outperformed sham on strength (Δ9.5±3.0% vs 3.8±1.2%, d = 2.20), EMG (ΔRMS 27.5±6.2 vs 2.0±3.7 μV, d = 4.61), and alpha (d = 1.87; all p < 0.001). Conclusion: EEG neurofeedback targeting sensorimotor alpha and frontal theta/delta oscillations induces robust, durable improvements in cortico-muscular integration and strength in elite MMA athletes via a hierarchical neurophysiological cascade, supporting both intensive and abbreviated protocols in applied sport contexts.

Recommended Citation

Markiel A, Losinska K, Zak M, Maszczyk A. EEG-EMG coupling and functional neuroplasticity in elite combat athletes: Effects of neurofeedback training on cortico-muscular coherence and performance. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2026;18(3):Article1. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.18.3.01