Article by Beppe Cart
As Carl Lewis said in a famous advertising spot: " POWER IS NOTHING WITHOUT CONTROL ". This statement leads us to the idea that the psychological approach to performance is considerable; and if we talk about control we will talk about the Nervous System, then the brain: our "on-board computer".
BETA RHYTHM : It is the rhythm of acute stress (AS WHEN YOU TRAIN HARD), with frequencies above 14 hertz. Characterized by a purely mental tension, almost entirely directed towards the exterior, it allows the rapid reaction to stimuli governing the executive speed. It also coincides with the REM phase of sleep, or when we dream. This rhythm is associated with the maximum expenditure of physical and nervous energies, therefore, in the long term, at the maximum deterioration due to the abuse of overwork.
ALFA RHYTHM : It is the rhythm of mitigation, therefore of the decrease of the cerebral activity, with frequencies that oscillate between 8 and 13 hertz. In subjects who do not have dependent diseases, this state is generated involuntarily by closing the eyes. It is precisely in this state that inner self-control and the creative spirit are fostered. Combined with visualization practices, the alpha rhythm will have a high influence on the somatic level (eg yoga).
THETA RHYTHM : Here the frequency fluctuates between 4 and 7 hertz. It constitutes the cerebral iteration in the state of half-sleep, which is physiologically produced in enormous quantities during the pre-sleep phase (or hypnagogic state). In this phase the conscience is split into a vigilant conscience and dream.
DELTA RHYTHM : It occurs in deep sleep, a phase where there is no dream activity, and intense muscular relaxation. Here, the frequencies in hertz are usually less than 3. This phase is also known for the maximum production of growth hormone or GH. It is also the highlight of all regenerative processes and for the formation of ENDOFARMACI, which will be activated thanks to the sense of tranquility. The aforementioned rhythm is 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 fall ill very easily.
Science shows that athletes achieve the best performance when the brain rhythm is in "alpha", that is when our brain exercises a rhythm of brain waves capable of allowing a "relaxed but alert consciousness". This state can be conquered with a psychic training, through autogenic training exercises . Exercise in 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. "Stare in alfa" means going to view 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, in order for it to be put into action, the subject must be able to lower the brain frequency in very few instants, in order to pass from a "beta" context to an "alpha" context. Numerous professional athletes hold this innate ability. Psychic conditioning is obtainable both with autogenous training and with meditation exercises, that is, disinteresting oneself in the surrounding world when maximum concentration is needed. This applies not only to professional javelins or shooters (bow, rifle, etc.), but also to those who train in weight rooms with high loads.
It must therefore always be kept in mind how concentration is a decisive element for all those who love to practice sport.
