Today, neurosciences play a fundamental role in sports performance. Understanding how the brain works and how it connects with the body is key to helping athletes reach their full potential. In this article, we will explore how advancements in brain studies and their interactions with the body can assist physical trainers and physiotherapists in improving training, recovery, and injury prevention in athletes.

What Are Neurosciences and Their Application in Sports?

Neurosciences are a set of scientific disciplines that study the brain and the nervous system. Although it is a relatively young field, it has made significant advancements due to the emergence of imaging technologies, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, which allows us to observe how the brain activates during various activities. This advancement has enabled sports professionals to begin applying this knowledge to optimize training and athletes’ physiological responses.

The study of neurosciences aims to understand the mechanisms behind human behavior. In the sports context, this translates into a greater understanding of how athletes make decisions, how they control their emotions, and how their brains manage physical and mental effort. Understanding these processes is essential to designing more effective training and recovery strategies.

The Brain and Its Connections: A World of Possibilities

The human brain is a complex structure that houses approximately 86 billion neurons, each of which can form up to 10,000 connections with others. These neural connections are fundamental for communication between different brain areas and for coordinating actions between the brain and the body. Despite its relatively small size, the brain consumes about 20% of the body’s total energy, which reflects the high level of activity it carries out.

In neuroscience, the concept of “connectome” refers to the complete map of the brain’s neural connections, a field of study still under development. However, what we already know is that the brain and the body are not separate but function as a unified system. This interconnectedness is key to understanding how emotions, movements, and decisions impact an athlete’s performance.

The Instinctive and Emotional Brain: Implications for Sports Performance

The human brain is made up of several areas that have evolved over time. One of the most primitive is the instinctive brain, also known as the reptilian brain, which regulates basic functions necessary for survival, such as hunger, reproduction, and protection. This brain is always on alert, prioritizing our survival above all else.

Above this instinctive brain lies the emotional brain, which governs our emotions, and above that, the thinking brain or prefrontal cortex, which allows us to perform more complex cognitive processes, such as planning, decision-making, and impulse control. However, when faced with stress or danger, the instinctive brain tends to dominate, which can affect performance in sports situations.

Impulse Control: The Development of the Prefrontal Cortex

The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control, is not fully matured until around the age of 25. This fact is crucial for physical trainers and physiotherapists, as it explains why younger athletes often struggle to control their emotions or make quick decisions during training or competitions. Additionally, it is important to note that training should not only focus on physical aspects but also on developing these mental capabilities, which are essential for emotional regulation and impulse control in high-pressure moments.

The Power of Mirror Neurons: Improving Performance Through Visualization

One fascinating discovery in sports neuroscience is the concept of mirror neurons. These neurons have the ability to “reproduce” in the brain the action we observe in another person. This means that by watching an athlete perform a movement, our brain activates the same motor areas as if we were performing the movement ourselves. This capacity for visual imitation is crucial for motor learning.

Visualization is a powerful tool in sports training. By repeatedly visualizing an action or technique, athletes train their brains to execute the movement more efficiently. This practice not only improves technique but also accelerates injury recovery by allowing the brain to “remember” the movement before the body is physically ready to perform it.

Neurotransmitters: The Chemistry of Performance

Sports performance does not only depend on physical strength or technical skill but also on neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that regulate various processes in the brain. These neurotransmitters affect our mood, motivation, stress response, and ability to concentrate. Some of the most important neurotransmitters in the sports context include:

1. Dopamine: Associated with motivation and pleasure, dopamine plays an essential role in decision-making and perseverance in the face of challenges. Increasing dopamine levels can improve concentration and willingness to exert physical effort.
2. Serotonin: This neurotransmitter is related to well-being and emotional balance. Adequate levels of serotonin are crucial for maintaining a positive attitude and reducing anxiety—key factors for performance in high-pressure situations.
3. Oxytocin: Known as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is essential for group cohesion and the sense of belonging in teams. Increased production of oxytocin improves communication among team members, fostering a collaborative environment and superior collective performance.
4. Adrenaline and Cortisol: These neurotransmitters are involved in the stress response. Adrenaline increases energy and concentration in high-demand situations, while cortisol, although useful in emergency situations, can have negative effects if it remains elevated for prolonged periods.

Motivation: The Key to Sustainable Success

Motivation is one of the most important factors in sports performance. It is not just about wanting to win but being willing to invest the necessary effort to achieve established goals. This is where trainers play a crucial role. By working with clear and achievable goals, they can stimulate dopamine production, helping athletes stay focused and committed.

Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This approach not only provides direction but also allows the brain to receive “rewards” as milestones are achieved, reinforcing intrinsic motivation.

Managing Mental Energy: Preventing Distractions

The ability to maintain focus during training and competition is essential to maximizing performance. Like the body, the brain has a limit to how much energy it can expend. If an athlete is distracted by negative thoughts or concerns unrelated to their performance, they are wasting valuable mental resources.

Therefore, it is crucial to teach athletes to manage their self-talk and stay focused on the present moment. Techniques such as visualization, mindfulness, and attention management can help athletes quickly regain concentration and minimize mental distractions during sports activities.

Conclusion: An Integrated Approach to Sports Performance

The knowledge of neurosciences allows us to better understand how the brain influences sports performance and how we can optimize both training and recovery. Physical trainers and physiotherapists have valuable tools at their disposal to enhance athletes’ efficiency, not only through physical training but also by managing mental and emotional variables.

The future of sports lies in the integration of neurosciences with physical preparation and rehabilitation—a field that promises to revolutionize how we train and recover athletes. This integrated approach, combining both body and mind, is key to achieving peak performance and preventing long-term injuries.