Effects of self-efficacy on frontal midline theta power and golf putting performance.

Introduction: Self-efficacy (SE), defined as an individual's belief in their ability to complete a task, is linked to top-down attentional control, influencing motor performance in sports. Although the behavioral effects of SE are well-documented, there is a lack of research on the mechanisms through which SE affects sports performance. Our research aims to elucidate the neurophysiological mechanisms that underlie the impact of self-efficacy on sports performance. Specifically, we intend to explore the effects of low and high SE on frontal midline theta (Fmθ) activity, associated with sustained top-down attention, and on motor performance. Methods: We recruited thirty-four professional golfers to perform 60 putts, during which their electroencephalographic activity was monitored. SE levels were assessed using a visual analog scale from 0 to 10 before each putt, with scores categorized into higher or lower SE based on each golfer's individual average score. Results: Paired t-tests indicated that trials with higher SE scores had a higher putting success rate than those with lower SE scores (53.3% vs. 46.7%). Furthermore, trials associated with higher SE scores exhibited lower Fmθ activity compared to those with lower SE scores (4.49 vs. 5.18). Discussion: Our results suggest that higher SE is associated with reduced top-down attentional control, leading to improved putting performance. These findings support Bandura's theory of SE, which suggests that the effects of efficacy beliefs are mediated by cognitive, motivational, emotional, and decision-making processes. This study sheds light on the intermediate processes of SE by examining its impact on the anticipation of outcomes, sports performance, and attentional control prior to putting.

A single session of sensorimotor rhythm neurofeedback enhances long-game performance in professional golfers.

Enhanced Sensorimotor Rhythm activity has been linked to increased automation in motor execution. Although existing research demonstrates the positive effects of SMR neurofeedback training on improving golf putting performance, its influence on golf long-game performance remains unexplored. This study sought to address this gap by involving seventeen professional female golfers (Age =24.63 ± 3.24 years, Handicap＝2.06 ± 1.18) in a crossover-designed experiment incorporating both NFT and a no-training control condition. During the study, participants executed 40 150-yard swings while receiving continuous SMR neurofeedback. Pre- and post-testing included visual analog scales to assess psychological processes associated with SMR activities, including attention engagement, conscious motor control, and physical relaxation levels. The results revealed that a single session of NFT effectively heightened SMR power irrespective of T1 (p = .02) or T2 (p = .03), which was observed with improved swing accuracy compared to the control conditions, particularly in "To Pin" (p = .04, the absolute distance to the hole after the ball comes to a stop). Subjective assessments further indicated that SMR NFT contributed to a sense of ease and tranquility during motor preparation for the golf swing (attention engagement: p = .01, conscious motor control: p = .033, physical relaxation: p = .013), and which offered valuable insights into the potential mechanisms underlying the impact of SMR NFT on long-game performance. Additionally, in such practical applications professional athletes can utilize our single-session neurofeedback protocol to train efficiently and cost-effectively before competitions, thereby enhancing their opportunity to achieve a higher rank.

Simultaneous detection of human norovirus GI, GII and SARS-CoV-2 by a quantitative one-step triplex RT-qPCR.

Background: There are many similarities in the clinical manifestations of human norovirus and SARS-CoV-2 infections, and nucleic acid detection is the gold standard for diagnosing both diseases. In order to expedite the identification of norovirus and SARS-CoV-2, a quantitative one-step triplex reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) method was designed in this paper. Methods: A one-step triplex RT-qPCR assay was developed for simultaneous detection and differentiation of human norovirus GI (NoV-GI), GII (NoV-GII) and SARS-CoV-2 from fecal specimens. Results: The triplex RT-qPCR assay had high detection reproducibility (CV < 1%) and sensitivity. The lower limits of detection (LLOD95) of the triplex RT-qPCR assay for each target site were 128.5-172.8 copies/mL, and LLOD95 of the singleplex RT-qPCR assay were 110.3-142.0 copies/mL. Meanwhile, among the detection of clinical oropharyngeal swabs and fecal specimens, the results of the singleplex and triplex RT-qPCR assay showed high agreement. Conclusion: The triplex RT-qPCR assay for simultaneous detection of NoV-GI, NoV-GII and SARS-CoV-2 from fecal specimens has high clinical application value.