Measure
Record EEG and psychophysiological signals before the sporting action.
The brain
before the movement
I study how the brain prepares before action and test whether neurofeedback training transfers to sport-specific movements.
Ming-Yang Cheng | Associate Research Fellow, Taiwan Institute of Sports Science | Head of SPIN Lab
Same movement, different preparation
I record EEG, heart rate variability and attentional state before the action, and compare them with performance in the sport.
Measure. Train. Transfer.
Measure preparation, then test training effects
Train
Practise regulating task-relevant EEG markers with neurofeedback.
Transfer
Remove the feedback and test whether the effect holds in the sporting action.
Findings
Peer-reviewed · 2023
Pre-trigger SMR and shooting performance
35 skilled shooters fired 30 shots each and were split into higher- and lower-performing groups. The higher-performing group showed stronger sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) before the trigger pull.
Psychology of Sport and Exercise · DOI ↗
Peer-reviewed · 2026
EEG and HRV under reward and punishment
Elite shooters performed simulated shooting under reward, punishment and neutral conditions. Reward and punishment produced different EEG and HRV response patterns.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports · DOI ↗
Review · 2024
The evidence on neurofeedback in sport
A review of 13 randomised controlled trials found signs of performance benefit, but the studies used inconsistent EEG targets and methods.
Frontiers in Psychology · DOI ↗
How I do research
- Question
- How does the brain prepare before movement?
- Method
- Record EEG, psychophysiological signals, and sport movement together, then test whether training transfers.
- Purpose
- To inform training decisions made with athletes and coaches.
Start with your question
Recent research and field records
01RESEARCH RECOGNITIONNeurofeedback systematic review and meta-analysis receives Honorable Mention
I am co-first author of “The Effect of EEG Neurofeedback Training on Sport Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” (2025), recognised with Honorable Mention in the 2026 Ministry of Sports Sport Science Research and Development Award.
Read the full record →02FUNDED RESEARCHCurrent National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and TISS research projects
Cheng leads two active National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) projects and one active TISS project, and co-leads the active TISS automated EEG analysis project. A further TISS badminton mental-capacity assessment project is approved, with Cheng as co-principal investigator.
Read the full record →A BMX athlete shares an EEG assessment experience
A BMX athlete publicly shares his experience of EEG assessment and a personalised report.
Explore the field note and athlete’s story