the use of Neurofeedback as a significant part of the 1st 21st century exercise program which ACTUALLY Revolutionizes the idea of a full-body workout; it's actually a full Neuro-body workout.
As it turns out, the principles behind this evolutionary field of research are amazingly applicable
to the world of Amateur Radio (in general) and Radiosport contesting in particular.
Even though radio operators often come together as a team, each team is comprised of individual operators. To excel in radiosport (whether single-OP or part of a team) each individual must continually upgrade their operating performance/acumen to remain at the top of the operator heap. For example in preparation for upcoming contests we have pileup training software and even the Contest University (CTU). As wonderful as these items are, none of them address the Brain-Body relationship in any easily-replicable manner.
During the last 20 years I have been looking at brain performance and ways to improve it. Back in 2011 during an NAQP Cw contest I monitored left-frontal E-E-G (at location FP-1) as I ran frequencies and spent time searching and pouncing (S&P). A series of YouTube videos were made capturing that experience. If you can copy Cw (Morse code) while watching the Attention/Meditation meters in the video, you will hear the debilitating effects caused by mere 1.5 second brain-pharts which required upwards of 45 seconds to get an understandable repeat on the sent information.
[x] - WQ6X monitoring EEG during NAQP Cw Aug 2011
(Search & Pounce) - Video #1
[x] - WQ6X monitoring EEG during NAQP CW Aug-2011
while running a Frequency - Video #2
[x] - WQ6X monitoring EEG during NAQP CW Aug-2011
while running a Frequency - Video #3
[x] - WQ6X monitoring EEG during NAQP CW Aug-2011
while running a Frequency - Video #4
[x] - WQ6X monitoring EEG during NAQP CW Aug-2011
while running a Frequency - Video #5For those who are not Cw-savvy, there are plans afoot to replicate this experiment before the
year is over during a voice contest. Stay tuned to this contest Blog for more information on that.
From a Neuro-body perspective, increasing bloodflow is a crucial component in improving athletic
and radiosport performance. Other than the use of performance enhancing stimulants, just about
any method for improving bloodflow is encouraged. For radiosport, a number of activities to improve bloodflow come to mind:
- Neurofeedback protocols designed to improve bloodflow (of course).
- Light/Sound stimulus using such units as those made by Kasina and PhotoSonix.
- Running and/or Tai-Chi and/or martial arts workouts.
Also, rocking and bouncing (trampolines) can quickly improve bloodflow. - Certain forms of meditation.
- For those who are by necessity sedentary, upper-body workouts can easily
improve bloodflow. - Getting proper sleep before/during/after a radiosport event can gradually yet
incrementally improve bloodflow.
What skills we are attempting to maximize depends largely on the operating mode being used
(Cw / Ssb / RTTY-Data). Then again, some skills such as Focus improvement and anxiety-reduction apply to all modes. Properly devised E-E-G training and Light/Sound programs can easily increase pre-frontal bloodflow for more sustained focus (FP1, AF3 & FPZ), while at the same time balancing areas that are linked to anxiety and anxiety-control (FP2 & AF-4). It has been found that training locations F3 & F4 can help to improve ones ethical-sense; very important in the conductance of operations per the rules of engagement.
To maximize Cw copy-performance and Ssb speech-recognition improvement, properly working
the Central/Parietal areas (C3/P3/T3 & C4/P4/T4) can increase intelligibility by reducing errors in decoding information. With Light/Sound therapy we can improve integration between C3 <==> C4
as well as P3 <==> P4 in particular.
For Cw contests, as a function of training P3 - P4 I discovered an innate ability to replay code
just heard. Instead of trying to "figure out" what was just sent (with diminishing success), I simply "replay" that segment via the parietal areas, giving me another shot at it - immediately. Working Central areas (FC3/C3/C5/T3 & FC4/C4/C6/T4) help to improve the motor skills needed for sending fast[er] error-free code using a key paddle.
LooK at the tuning indicator(s) on the screen - I KNOW (by sound) whether or not the signal is properly tuned-in. Training P3 - P4 improves this ability over time.
Thus far, I've only discussed the Brain aspect of the Brain-Body picture.
I'm going to leave that discussion for the next installment in this new series.
Bottom-line, performance improvement doesn't apply just to outdoor sports; indoor sports
(such as radiosport contests) can benefit tremendously by tending to overall brain improvement.
Then, add in exercise protocols along with the brain work and you have an unbeatable combination.
You've heard me say "When in Doubt CHEAT (but w/in the Rules)". In radiosport, it is COMPLETELY within the rules to include Brain/Body performance improvement as part of your event preparation.
What do YOU do to prepare for each radiosport event.
Do You include Brain & Body in that preparation?
Tell me about it.
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