Author(s): AN, Y., FENG, Z., LU, J.J., Institution: SHANGHAI RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF SPORTS SCIENCE (SHANGHAI ANTI-DOPING AGENCY), Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 188

Precision shooting demands exceptional psychological stability and neuromodulation capabilities. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of Sensorimotor Rhythm (SMR) neurofeedback training (NFT) on the live-fire performance of elite rifle shooters and its underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. Fourteen active elite rifle shooters were recruited. A single 10-minute SMR (12~15 Hz) enhancement training session was conducted using the Nexus-10 system, with the central area (Cz) as the feedback site. Heart rate variability (HRV) was recorded throughout the experiment, brainwave dynamics were monitored during the training session, and 30 rounds of live-fire shooting performance were recorded using the SCATT system both before and after the intervention. Individual regulation trends were characterized by the slope of SMR amplitude changes, while the improvement in autonomic status and shooting performance was assessed by calculating change scores.The results showed that at the group level, SMR amplitude exhibited a marginally significant linear growth across the training process, though individual regulation trends demonstrated high heterogeneity. Correlation analysis revealed that the SMR regulation trend (slope) was significantly positively correlated with the degree of improvement in shooting performance and was accompanied by a significant inhibition of sympathetic activation (logLF). Group comparisons based on training responsiveness showed that "Responders"—those capable of up-regulating SMR—exhibited enhanced autonomic rhythmic coordination(significant increase in DFA alpha2) and lower sympathetic activation (logLF) post-training. In terms of motor performance, Responders showed significantly higher dwelling percentages within the 10.0 and 10.5 ring areas during the 1-second pre-shot window compared to "Non-Responders" . These findings confirm the immediate utility of SMR neurofeedback training in optimizing the stability of fine motor control. The study establishes the SMR amplitude slope as a core dynamic indicator for assessing neurofeedback sensitivity and reveals the intrinsic physiological pathway through which SMR regulation enhances competitive performance by improving "brain-heart" synergistic modulation and autonomic stability. This research not only deepens the understanding of individual differences in neurofeedback but also provides a scientific basis and empirical reference for developing individualized and precision-based psychological modulation protocols for elite athletes in precision sports.