''Open Brain'' Documentary: How Champion Athletes Are Using Neuroscience

In recent years, the integration of neuroscience into athletic training has revolutionized how athletes prepare for competition. The documentary Open Brain - Inside the Brains of Athletes was recently released on Canal+. The show gives excellent insights on the latest neuroscience and neurotechnologies are being leveraged across diverse sports domains. It delves into this intersection, showcasing how top-level athletes harness cognitive science to enhance their performance. Here we'll give an overview of the highlights.

The Neuroscience Behind Elite Performance

Open Brain explores the brain's pivotal role in athletic excellence. As physical training methods become increasingly standardized, athletes and coaches are turning to cognitive training to gain a competitive edge. The documentary highlights various mental techniques employed by athletes, such as visualization, focus enhancement, and stress management, all rooted in neuroscience.

Although neuroscience is being used increasingly across top-level sports, particularly by specialists in sports vision training, few people are aware of the rising trend. The athletes interviewed for the documentary give qualitative insights and real-world examples of just how much of a factor brain performance is for their respective sports.

Insights from Diverse Athletic Disciplines

The film features athletes from a range of sports, each providing unique perspectives on the application of neuroscience in their training:

• Surfing: Surfers discuss the importance of mental clarity and the ability to enter a "flow state" to navigate challenging waves.
• Basketball: Players emphasize the role of split-second decision-making and how cognitive drills improve their on-court reactions.
• Formula 1: Drivers highlight the necessity of heightened focus and the mental fortitude required to maintain performance under extreme conditions.
• Ultra-Trail Running: Runners share strategies for mental endurance, crucial for sustaining performance over grueling distances.

Justine Dupont – Surfing

Justine Dupont, recognized as the world's top big wave surfer in 2019, recounts a harrowing experience at Nazaré, Portugal, where she faced a massive wave. She emphasizes the significance of mental clarity and harnessing energy:

"In front of the cliff, it's the most dangerous peak, but also the most beautiful, the most full of energy."

This mental focus allows her to tackle formidable waves with confidence.

Alexis Pinturault – Alpine Skiing

Alexis Pinturault, the 2023 World Champion in alpine combined skiing, discusses his use of mental imagery to prepare for races. He meticulously visualizes each course, turn by turn, to enhance his performance:

"It's a technique of mental visualization."

This approach enables him to anticipate challenges and execute precise maneuvers during competitions.

Rudy Gobert – Basketball

French basketball player Rudy Gobert, a prominent center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, has integrated neuroscience into his training with the help of coach Fernando "Nandes" Pereira. Gobert highlights the transformation in his cognitive approach:

"He allowed me to break habits ingrained since I was little, to recalibrate my brain."

This recalibration enhances his decision-making and responsiveness on the court.

Charles Leclerc – Formula 1 Racing

Charles Leclerc, the Monegasque driver for Ferrari, emphasizes the cognitive demands of Formula 1 racing. He underscores the importance of processing multiple streams of information simultaneously:

"The brain has to manage a lot of information at the same time."

This mental agility is crucial for maintaining peak performance during races.

Hugo Grau – Boxing

French boxer Hugo Grau, the 2023 national champion in the under-67 kg category, discusses the role of anticipation in boxing. He focuses on predicting opponents' moves rather than solely relying on physical strength:

"It's not necessarily about hitting harder or faster, but about anticipating."

This strategic foresight gives him an edge in the ring.

Stéphanie Gicquel – Ultra-Trail Running

Ultra-trail runner Stéphanie Gicquel shares her mental strategies for enduring long-distance races. She employs techniques to manage fatigue and maintain focus over extended periods:

"It's a mental journey as much as a physical one."

Her mental resilience is key to her success in ultra-endurance events.

These athletes exemplify the growing integration of neuroscience in sports, utilizing mental training techniques to complement their physical preparation and achieve superior performance.

The Role of NeuroTracker

Perhaps the peak of the documentary is the feature of soccer star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Pierre gives open insights on how NeuroTracker helps elevate is processing speed, giving him more time under the pressure of competition.

''It requires a lot of concentration...it helps me makes decisions under pressure. I think it can help to anticipate, to save time. And I think when you are a soccer player, saving time is very good.''

As reported by the UK press, Pierre first started using NeuroTracker in 2018 when playing as striker for Arsenal. In the Premier League 2018-19 season, he was awarded the illustrious Golden Boot for his exceptional play.

NeuroTracker is a cognitive training system developed by Canada's leading neuroscientists in perceptual-cognition - Professor Jocelyn Faubert. Designed to assess and enhance high-level cognitive functions, NeuroTracker has been adopted globally by world-class athletes and sports teams to improve attention, situational awareness, and decision-making skills. 120+ independently published studies have widely demonstrated it's unique efficacy.

The Growing Influence of Neuroscience in Sports

‍Beyond the documentary, the influence of neuroscience in sports is evident:

• Cognitive Training Tools: Devices like NeuroTracker are becoming commonplace in training regimens, helping athletes process information more rapidly and make better decisions under pressure.

• Neurofeedback: Techniques such as EEG neurofeedback are used to train athletes to regulate their brain activity, enhancing focus and reducing anxiety during competition.

• Mindset Coaching: Mental conditioning programs are designed to build resilience, improve stress management, and foster a growth mindset among athletes.

‍Open Brain offers a compelling look into how modern athletes are leveraging these types of neuroscience solution to push the boundaries of human performance. As the field of sports neuroscience continues to evolve, the integration of cognitive training methods stands to redefine the limits of athletic achievement.

For a deeper understanding of how NeuroTracker applies to human performance and the future of sports, check out these insights from Professor Faubert.