Article by Beppe Cart
As Carl Lewis said in a famous commercial: "POWER IS NOTHING WITHOUT CONTROL". This statement leads us to the idea that the psychological approach to performance is remarkable; and if we talk about control we will talk about the Nervous System, therefore the brain: our" on-board computer ".
BETA RHYTHM: E "the rhythm of acute stress (AS WHEN YOU TRAIN HARD), with frequencies higher than 14 hertz. Characterized by purely mental tension, almost entirely directed towards the outside, it allows the rapid reaction to stimuli by governing the execution speed . It also coincides with the REM sleep phase, which is when we dream. This rhythm is associated with the maximum expenditure of physical and nervous energy, therefore, in the long term, with the maximum deterioration from overworking.
ALPHA RHYTHM: It is the rhythm of mitigating, therefore of decreasing brain activity, with frequencies ranging between 8 and 13 hertz. In subjects who do not have pathologies, this state is generated involuntarily by closing the eyes. Precisely in this state the inner self-control and the creative spirit are favored. Combined with visualization practices, the alpha rhythm will have a high influence on a somatic level (eg yoga).
THETA RHYTHM: Here the frequency oscillates between 4 and 7 hertz. It constitutes the cerebral iteration in the state of semi-sleep, which physiologically is produced in enormous quantities during the pre-sleep phase (or hypnagogic state). In this phase the consciousness is split into waking and dream consciousness.
DELTA RHYTHM: Occurs in deep sleep, a phase where no oneiric activity occurs, and with intense muscle relaxation. Here, usually, the frequencies in hertz are less than 3. This phase is also known for the maximum production of growth hormone or GH. It is also the highlight of all the regenerative processes and for the formation of ENDOFARMACI, which will be activated thanks to the sense of tranquility. The rhythm mentioned above is actually totally under the control of the parasympathetic nervous system. If this is altered, the subject sleeps badly, tends to be tired, to have psychosomatic disorders and to get sick very easily.
Science shows that athletes achieve their best performance when the brain rhythm is in "alpha", which is when our brain exercises a brain wave rhythm that allows for a "relaxed but alert consciousness". This state can be conquered with a psychic training, through autogenic training exercises. "Practicing this technique is essential since initially it will take several minutes to get closer to the ideal state. Only after becoming familiar with the autogenic training technique, is it possible to induce the psyche to stabilize in alpha in a few seconds." Stay in alpha "means going to visualize the movements that will take place in a few moments: for example a sprint.
For those who conduct a rather intense fitness activity, the state of concentration is substantial, because it improves performance. We often hear about psychophysical balance !! Well, for it to take place, the subject must be able to lower the brain frequency in a very few moments, to transition from a "beta" context to an "alpha" context. Many professional athletes have this innate ability. Psychic conditioning can be obtained both with autogenic training and with meditation exercises, that is, by not taking an interest in it. of the surrounding world when maximum concentration is needed.This applies not only to professional javelinists or shooters (bow, rifle etc), but also to those who train in the weight room with high loads.
It should therefore always be kept in mind that concentration is a determining element for all those who love to practice sport.
