Granular phenotyping of neuromuscular and cortical adaptation in elite judo athletes: A three-group experimental analysis using EEG and EMG markers

Authors

• Magdalena Prończuk, Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow
• Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, University of Applied Sciences in WałczFollow
• Wirginia Likus, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Ka-towice, Katowice, Poland
• Łukasz Jaworski, Specialized Hospital in Wejherowo Cardiac Surgery Department, Wejherowo, Poland
• Adam Maszczyk, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in KatowiceFollow
• Kinga Łosińska, Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow

Abstract

Background: Inter-individual variability in neuromuscular and cortical adaptation presents a significant challenge for the personalization of neurofeedback protocols in elite sports, particularly in judo. Objective: This study aimed to identify distinct adaptation phenotypes in elite Polish judo athletes by integrating electrophysiological and performance-based measures following an EEG biofeedback intervention. Materials and methods: Twenty-four male athletes from the Polish national judo team completed a 15-session EEG biofeedback protocol targeting frontal alpha asymmetry. Post-intervention assessments included surface EMG amplitude (RMS), median frequency (MF), percentage EMG change, composite EEG indices (EEG_SUM), and normalized lower-limb strength. A composite Global Adaptation Index (GAI) was used for stratification into high, medium, and low responder groups. Statistical analysis involved linear mixed-effects models, PCA-based dimensionality reduction, hierarchical clustering, and regression diagnostics. Results: High responders demonstrated significant neuromuscular improvements, especially in RMS and strength measures, whereas low responders showed attenuated or inconsistent adaptations. Predictive models based on baseline EEG/EMG features (such as frontal alpha asymmetry, integrated EMG, and onset latency) had only moderate accuracy in classifying responders. Multivariate analyses highlighted the complexity of adaptation patterns beyond simple dichotomies. Conclusions: Adaptation to EEG bio-feedback in elite judo athletes varies markedly across individuals and involves both central and peripheral mechanisms. High-load multidimensional assessment and stratification enable better characterization of responders, informing personalized neurofeedback optimization. These findings advocate for phenotype-driven approaches in future neurofeedback research and training.

Recommended Citation

Pronczuk M, Skalski DT, Likus W, Jaworski L, Losinska K, Maszczyk A. Granular phenotyping of neuromuscular and cortical adaptation in elite judo athletes: A three-group experimental analysis using EEG and EMG markers. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2026;18(2):Article1. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.18.2.01

Author ORCID Identifier

Magdalena Prończuk ORCID  0009-0005-1478-3151

Dariusz Skalski ORCID  0000-0001-5128-7724

Wirgnia Likus ORCID 0000-0002-4738-6102

Łukasz Jaworski ORCID 0009-0009-8024-0648

Adam Maszczyk, ORCID 0000-0001-9139-9747

Kinga Łosińska ORCID 0009-0009-0227-106X

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.