PUBLICATIONS · SCHOLARLY RECORD

A complete record of research in progress.

Journal articles, book chapters, and conference contributions follow one cumulative line of inquiry: the neural conditions of skilled performance, the design of neurofeedback, and the transfer of learning to meaningful sporting tasks.

Google Scholar profile ↗

CITATIONS: 972
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Key publications

Four papers that open the complete scholarly record.

To understand what these papers collectively build, begin with Signature Work.

Explore Signature Work

2026ORIGINAL RESEARCHNeurocognitive and autonomic signatures of performance under motivational stressScandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports

WHY THIS PAPER MATTERS

It connects pressure to a coordinated pattern rather than treating EEG, HRV, or performance as isolated outcomes.

RESEARCH QUESTION: How do reward and punishment contexts alter neural, autonomic, and performance signals?
KEY FINDING: Motivational context was associated with coordinated brain–body changes before performance.
MY ROLE: First author
EVIDENCE TYPE: ORIGINAL RESEARCH

DOI ↗

2025META-ANALYSISThe effect of EEG neurofeedback training on sport performanceScandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports

WHY THIS PAPER MATTERS

It replaces broad claims with a quantitative estimate and makes study quality part of the interpretation.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What does the controlled evidence indicate about EEG neurofeedback and sport motor performance?
KEY FINDING: The pooled evidence indicated a positive effect, while methodological quality shaped confidence in the estimate.
MY ROLE: Co-first author
EVIDENCE TYPE: META-ANALYSIS

DOI ↗

2024SYSTEMATIC REVIEWEvaluating EEG neurofeedback in sport psychologyFrontiers in Psychology

WHY THIS PAPER MATTERS

It clarifies what the field can currently support and where stronger protocols and reporting are still needed.

RESEARCH QUESTION: How rigorous and transferable are randomised EEG-neurofeedback studies in sport?
KEY FINDING: The review identified important variation in protocol quality, reporting, mechanism, and transfer assessment.
MY ROLE: First author
EVIDENCE TYPE: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

DOI ↗

2023QEEG STUDYQEEG markers of superior shooting performance in skilled marksmenPsychology of Sport and Exercise

WHY THIS PAPER MATTERS

It anchors the research programme in the final seconds before skilled action and keeps the behavioural outcome beside the signal.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Which pre-performance cortical patterns are associated with superior shooting outcomes?
KEY FINDING: Performance quality was associated with measurable differences in pre-action cortical organisation.
MY ROLE: First author
EVIDENCE TYPE: QEEG STUDY

DOI ↗

Journal articles

Peer-reviewed research, organised by year.

Filter by topic, evidence type, year, or author role. Book chapters and conference contributions follow as distinct forms of scholarly work.

2026Journal record

Inspect record
Cheng, M.-Y., Wang, K. P., Hung, T. M., Lu, C., Oh, H., Tan, Y. Y., & Hatfield, B. (2026). Neurocognitive and Autonomic Signatures of Performance Under Motivational Stress: An Integrated Psychophysiological Analysis of Reward and Punishment in Shooting Performance. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 36(2), e70227.
Original research
Research question
How do reward and punishment contexts alter neural, autonomic, and performance signals?
Key finding
Motivational context was associated with coordinated brain–body changes before performance.
My role
First author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Lu, G., Cheng, M.-Y., Li, D., Elbanna, H., & Wang, K.-P. (2026). Temporal dynamics of alpha-band cortico-cortical coherence during motor preparation for successful and unsuccessful football penalty kicks. Frontiers in Psychology, 17. Advance online publication.
Original research
Key finding
Alpha-band cortico-cortical coherence evolved differently before successful and unsuccessful football penalty kicks.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Zhang, M., Wei, C., Ding, C., Zhao, J., Sun, J., Lin, L., Chen, Y., Li, M., Li, X., Cheng, M.-Y., & Zhuang, J. (2026). Low-beta frequency band neurofeedback training: Effects on attentional orientation, executive control, and underlying neural mechanisms. Behavioral and Brain Functions.
Original research
Key finding
Low-beta neurofeedback improved attention versus sham training, enhanced N1 and N2 responses, and progressively increased beta1 power.
My role
Co-corresponding author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗

2025Journal record

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Lu, G., Hagan, J. E., Cheng, M. Y., Li, D., & Wang, K. P. (2025). Amateurs exhibit greater psychomotor efficiency than novices: Evidence from EEG during a visuomotor task. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1436549.
Original research
Key finding
Amateurs showed greater psychomotor efficiency than novices during a visuomotor task.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Yu, C. L., Cheng, M. Y., An, X., Chueh, T. Y., Wu, J. H., Wang, K. P., & Hung, T. M. (2025). The effect of EEG neurofeedback training on sport performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 35(5), e70055.
Review / meta-analysis
Research question
What does the controlled evidence indicate about EEG neurofeedback and sport motor performance?
Key finding
The pooled evidence indicated a positive effect, while methodological quality shaped confidence in the estimate.
My role
Co-first author
Evidence type
Review / meta-analysis
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Yu, Y., Zhang, L., Cheng, M.-Y., Liang, Z., Zhang, M., & Qi, F. (2025). The effects of different fatigue types on action anticipation and physical performance in high-level volleyball players. Journal of Sports Sciences, 1–13.
Original research
Key finding
Different forms of fatigue produced distinct effects on action anticipation and physical performance in high-level volleyball players.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Yue, T., Su, H., Cheng, M.-Y., Wang, Y., & Qi, F. (2025). High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Inhibitory Control and Working Memory in Healthy Young Adults. Journal of Human Kinetics, 98, 41–56.
Original research
Key finding
High-intensity interval training improved inhibitory control and working memory in healthy young adults.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗

2024Journal record

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Cheng, M. Y., Yu, C. L., An, X., Wang, L., Tsai, C. L., Qi, F., & Wang, K. P. (2024). Evaluating EEG neurofeedback in sport psychology: A systematic review of RCT studies for insights into mechanisms and performance improvement. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1331997.
Review / meta-analysis
Research question
How rigorous and transferable are randomised EEG-neurofeedback studies in sport?
Key finding
The review identified important variation in protocol quality, reporting, mechanism, and transfer assessment.
My role
First author
Evidence type
Review / meta-analysis
Open DOI or source record ↗

2023Journal record

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An, X., Lian, J., Xu, L., Peng, Z., Chen, S., Cheng, M. Y., & Shao, Y. (2023). Changes in electroencephalography microstates are associated with reduced levels of vigilance after sleep deprivation. Brain Research, 148729.
Original research
Key finding
Sleep deprivation was accompanied by EEG microstate changes and reduced vigilance.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Cheng, M. Y., Wang, K. P., Doppelmayr, M., Steinberg, F., Hung, T. M., Lu, C., Tan, Y. Y., & Hatfield, B. (2023). QEEG markers of superior shooting performance in skilled marksmen: An investigation of cortical activity on psychomotor efficiency hypothesis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 65, 102320.
Original research
Research question
Which pre-performance cortical patterns are associated with superior shooting outcomes?
Key finding
Performance quality was associated with measurable differences in pre-action cortical organisation.
My role
First author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Pourbehbahani, Z., Saemi, E., Cheng, M. Y., & Dehghan, M. R. (2023). Both sensorimotor rhythm neurofeedback and self-controlled practice enhance motor learning and performance in novice golfers. Behavioral Sciences, 13(1), 65.
Original research
Key finding
Both sensorimotor-rhythm neurofeedback and self-controlled practice enhanced learning and performance in novice golfers.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Shao, Y., Peng, Z., Xu, L., Lian, J., An, X., & Cheng, M. Y. (2023). Decrease in the P2 amplitude of object working memory after 8 h-recovery sleep following 36 h-total sleep deprivation: An ERP study. Brain Sciences, 13(10), 1470.
Original research
Key finding
Object-working-memory P2 amplitude remained reduced after recovery sleep following total sleep deprivation.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Wang, K. P., Cheng, M. Y., Elbanna, H., & Schack, T. (2023). A new EEG neurofeedback training approach in sports: The effects function-specific instruction of Mu rhythm and visuomotor skill performance. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1273186.
Original research
Key finding
Function-specific Mu-rhythm neurofeedback supported visuomotor-skill performance.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗

2021Journal record

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Thomas, F., Steinberg, F., Pixa, N. H., Berger, A., Cheng, M. Y., & Doppelmayr, M. (2021). Prefrontal high definition cathodal tDCS modulates executive functions only when coupled with moderate aerobic exercise in healthy persons. Scientific Reports, 11, 8457.
Original research
Key finding
Cathodal high-definition tDCS modulated executive function only when paired with moderate aerobic exercise.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Wang, K. P., Cheng, M. Y., Chen, T. T., Lin, K. H., Huang, C. J., Schack, T., & Hung, T. M. (2021). Successful motor performance of a difficult task: Reduced cognitive-motor coupling. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 11(2), 174–184.
Original research
Key finding
Successful performance of a difficult motor task was associated with reduced cognitive–motor coupling.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Wang, K. P., Frank, C., Tsai, Y. Y., Lin, K. H., Chen, T. T., Cheng, M. Y., Huang, C. J., Hung, T. M., & Schack, T. (2021). Superior performance in skilled golfers characterized by dynamic neuromotor processes related to attentional focus. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 633228.
Original research
Key finding
Superior golf performance was characterised by dynamic neuromotor processes related to attentional focus.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗

2020Journal record

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Thomas, F., Pixa, N. H., Berger, A., Cheng, M. Y., Doppelmayr, M., & Steinberg, F. (2020). Neither cathodal nor anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex alone or applied during moderate aerobic exercise modulates executive function. Neuroscience, 443, 71–83.
Original research
Key finding
Neither anodal nor cathodal left-DLPFC tDCS, alone or during moderate exercise, modulated executive function.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Wang, K. P., Cheng, M. Y., Chen, T. T., Huang, C. J., Schack, T., & Hung, T. M. (2020). Elite golfers are characterized by psychomotor refinement in cognitive-motor processes. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 50, 101739.
Original research
Key finding
Elite golfers displayed refined cognitive–motor processing associated with psychomotor efficiency.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗

2019Journal record

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Chen, T. T., Wang, K. P., Cheng, M. Y., Chang, Y. T., Huang, C. J., & Hung, T. M. (2019). Impact of emotional and motivational regulation on putting performance: A frontal alpha asymmetry study. PeerJ, 7, e6777.
Original research
Key finding
Emotional and motivational regulation were associated with putting performance and frontal alpha asymmetry.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Wang, K. P., Cheng, M. Y., Chen, T. T., Chang, Y. K., Huang, C. J., Feng, J., Hung, T. M., & Ren, J. (2019). Experts’ successful psychomotor performance was characterized by effective switch of motor and attentional control. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 43, 374–379.
Original research
Key finding
Successful expert performance was characterised by an effective switch between attentional and motor control.
My role
Co-author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗

2017Journal record

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Cheng, M. Y. (2017a). Application of sensorimotor rhythm on sport performance enhancement. Research & Investigations in Sports Medicine, 23(2), 83–87.
Original research
Key finding
The article set out the rationale and early evidence for applying sensorimotor-rhythm training to sport performance.
My role
First author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Cheng, M. Y., Wang, K. P., Hung, C. L., Tu, Y. L., Huang, C. J., Koester, D., Schack, T., & Hung, T. M. (2017). Higher power of sensorimotor rhythm is associated with better performance in skilled air-pistol shooters. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 32, 47–53.
Original research
Key finding
Higher pre-action sensorimotor-rhythm power was associated with better performance in skilled air-pistol shooters.
My role
First author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗

2015Journal record

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Cheng, M. Y., Huang, C. J., Chang, Y. K., Koester, D., Schack, T., & Hung, T. M. (2015). Sensorimotor rhythm neurofeedback enhances golf putting performance. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 37(6), 626–636.
Original research
Key finding
Sensorimotor-rhythm neurofeedback enhanced golf putting performance.
My role
First author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗
Inspect record
Cheng, M. Y., Hung, C. L., Huang, C. J., Chang, Y. K., Lo, L. C., Shen, C., & Hung, T. M. (2015). Expert-novice differences in SMR activity during dart throwing. Biological Psychology, 110, 212–218.
Original research
Key finding
Experts and novices showed distinct sensorimotor-rhythm activity during dart throwing.
My role
First author
Evidence type
Original research
Open DOI or source record ↗

Books & chapters

Long-form contributions to theory, method, and professional education.

Cheng, M. Y., & Hung, T. M. (2020a). Biofeedback and neurofeedback for mental skills training in sports. In M. Bertollo, F. Edson, & T. Peter C. (Eds.), Advancements in mental skills training (1st ed., pp. 149–163). Routledge.
Open source record ↗
Cheng, M. Y., & Hung, T. M. (2020b). Performance and brain in sport. In D. Hackfort & R. J. Schinke (Eds.), The Routledge international encyclopedia of sport and exercise psychology: Volume 2 (1st ed., pp. 472–491). Routledge.
Open source record ↗
Hung, T.-M., & Cheng, M.-Y. (2019). Entry: Alertness. In D. Hackfort, R. J. Schinke, & B. Strauss (Eds.), Dictionary of Sport Psychology (1st ed., p. 10). Academic Press.
Open source record ↗
Hung, T.-M., & Cheng, M.-Y. (2019). Entry: Attention training. In D. Hackfort, R. J. Schinke, & B. Strauss (Eds.), Dictionary of Sport Psychology (1st ed., p. 23). Academic Press.
Open source record ↗
Hung, T.-M., & Cheng, M.-Y. (2019). Entry: Attentional style. In D. Hackfort, R. J. Schinke, & B. Strauss (Eds.), Dictionary of Sport Psychology (1st ed., p. 22). Academic Press.
Open source record ↗
Hung, T.-M., & Cheng, M.-Y. (2019). Entry: Open and closed skill. In D. Hackfort, R. J. Schinke, & B. Strauss (Eds.), Dictionary of Sport Psychology (1st ed., p. 201). Academic Press.
Open source record ↗
Hung, T.-M., & Cheng, M.-Y. (2018). Neurofeedback in sport: Theory, methods, research, and efficacy. In R. A. Carlstedt & M. Balconi (Eds.), Handbook of sport neuroscience and psychophysiology (1st ed., pp. 304–319). Routledge.
Open source record ↗

Doctoral and other research outputs

Cheng, M. Y. (2019). The sports performance enhancement by using the sensorimotor rhythm neurofeedback training [Doctoral dissertation, Bielefeld University].
Open source record ↗
Cheng, M. Y., & Hung, T. M. (2012). Application of sensory motor rhythm on enhancing sport performance. Sports Research Review (Chinese).

Conference contributions

Research develops through dialogue.

This page retains selected contributions only. The complete oral, symposium, invited, and poster record remains in the conference archive.

2026

Oral

SMR neurofeedback × function-specific instruction in precision archery

Ming-Yang Cheng and collaborators

FEPSAC 2026 · European Congress of Sport and Exercise PsychologyTimișoara, Romania · 13–17 July 2026

Speaker & session chair

Official abstract or programme record ↗

2024

Poster

Function-specific instruction with neurofeedback changes frontal-midline theta and boosts motor performance in novice golfers

Wang, K. P., Cheng, M. Y., Elbanna, H., & Schack, T.

17th European Congress of Sport and Exercise Psychology (FEPSAC)Innsbruck, Austria · 15–19 July 2024

2020

Invited forum

The mystery behind excellence: EEG analysis and neurofeedback training in sport psychology

Cheng, M. Y.

Frontier Academic Forum, School of PsychologyShanghai, China · November 2020

Invited speaker

2019

Symposium

Performance enhancement with EEG neurofeedback training: current topics and issues

Cheng, M. Y., Schack, T., Wang, K. P., Hung, T. M., & Zhou, C.

15th European Congress of Sport and Exercise Psychology (FEPSAC)Münster, Germany · July 2019

Symposium speakerTravel grant

2018

Oral

Miss your putts? The key EEG index to achieve superior golf-putting performance

Cheng, M. Y., Wang, K. P., Koester, D., Hung, T. M., & Schack, T.

Asia Conference on KinesiologyTaichung, Taiwan · October 2018

Oral presenterYoung Investigator Award

2017

Poster

Improving shooting performance with neurofeedback: an insight from EEG and psychomotor efficiency

Cheng, M. Y., Koester, D., & Schack, T.

2nd European Seminar of Sport & Exercise PsychologyPisa, Italy · 28–30 September 2017

Best Poster Award

View complete conference archive

External research records

Verified research profiles

ORCID0000-0003-2079-1164

Google ScholarCitation profile

ResearchGateResearch profile Academia.eduIndependent academic profile Frontiers LoopResearcher profile

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Institutional affiliation

Taiwan Institute of Sports ScienceDepartment of Sport Science Research

RESEARCH · APPLICATION · CONVERSATION

Each publication is one step in a longer research conversation.

Share the context and the question; then we can define the next step.

Contact Dr. Cheng