Neurological Biofeedback Experiment

The "old" Korean Scientific Archery Research Team back together again!

Coach Lee and Dr, Lee started work together in Korea, back in1983. Both were passionate about all aspects and scientific principles of science relating to archery. As such, most of the original Korean Archery Sports Science were studied and developed by them.

Unbeknown to each other they both moved to the USA in 2006 and only in 2008, through a newspaper article, got back together again. They not only joined for research, but are actively working together as a team in educating all USA high level coaches through sharing their knowledge and ongoing research findings  in biomechanics and neurological biofeedback testing and all other aspects of science in archery.

Neurological Biofeedback Experiment

Dr. KooHyoung Lee, a NeuroSky co-founder from South Korea and also Chief Technology Officer at San Jose-based NeuroSky,used biofeedback to improve concentration and relaxation techniques for members of his country's Olympic archery team.

Experiments were conducted with various Elite, mid-level, and novice archers. They were tested on the archery field shooting over short and long distance. Elite archers included USA champion Brady Ellison and Jake Kaminski.

ABSTRACT

Archer's capability of attention and relaxation control during shooting process was evaluated using EEG technology. Attention and meditation algorithms were used to represent the levels of mental concentration and relaxation levels. Elite, mid-level, and novice archers were tested for short and long distance shootings in the archery field. Single channel EEG was recorded on the forehead (Fp1) during the shooting process, and attention and meditation levels were computed by real time. Four types of variations were defined based on the increasing and decreasing patterns of attention and meditation levels during shooting process. Elite archers showed increases in both attention and relaxation while mid-level archers showed increased attention but decreased relaxation. Elite archers also showed higher levels of attention at the release than mid-level and novice archers. Levels of attention and relaxation and their variation patterns were useful to categorize archers and to provide feedback in training.

There are two papers -

1. "Neurological Biofeedback Experiment - An Exciting Look Into the Archer's Mind".

The first paper is short and snappy, easy to read 3- page summary of the experiment. It is written in layman's language and highlights that this technology can be extremely helpful for athletes to reach their highest potential. For details of this paper click here.

For German translation "Neurologisches Bio-Feedback-Experiment" Click here

For those more scientific minded Dr. Koohyoung Lee has made available his11- page published Scientific Paper, titled -

2." Evaluation of Attention and Relaxation Levels of Archers in Shooting Process
using Brain Wave Signal Analysis Algorithms"

For details of the entire 11-page scientific paper click here.