The role of neurofeedback games in enhancing cognitive abilities during physical education lessons

The integration of neurofeedback-based games into educational programs has garnered attention due to their potential to enhance cognitive abilities. This study examines the impact of the neurofeedback game Mindflex on the attention levels of university students during physical education classes. A randomized controlled design was employed, with participants divided into two groups: experimental and control. The experimental group participated in physical education lessons incorporating Mindflex neurofeedback training, while the control group followed the standard physical education curriculum. A total of 80 students, aged 18 to 22, were evenly distributed between the experimental and control groups. Pre- and post-test assessments were conducted using the Chinese version of the Stroop Color and Word Test (C-SCWT) to measure attention levels. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests, with effect sizes calculated to assess the magnitude of observed changes. The experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in attention levels with a large effect size (d = −3.62), while the control group showed no substantial changes (d = 0.07). These findings highlight the effectiveness of integrating neurofeedback games into physical education. The study also emphasizes the feasibility and practicality of using portable, cost-effective neurofeedback tools, such as Mindflex, in university settings. By demonstrating the potential of neurofeedback games to enhance attention, the study provides a foundation for future research and the application of such innovative tools.