Customer description‍

A national sports innovation center that works with top sports associations, universities and coaches to develop groundbreaking methods for physical and mental performance improvement.

Challenge‍

Mental factors such as focus, resilience and speed of decision are crucial in sport, but have remained largely immeasurable so far. Coaches lacked objective tools for systematically monitoring and training mental fitness.

Solution‍

A cognitive monitoring system based on neurofeedback, cognitive test data, gaming behavior and sleep data was developed. AI was used to recognize, predict patterns in cognitive peaks and dips and provide personalized advice for training, coaching and recovery.

Approach

1. Data collection and sensor integration
   EEG signals, eye tracking, sleep cycles, game data and cognitive tests were linked to a rich data set per athlete.
2. AI model training on mental fluctuations
   The model learned to recognize patterns that preceded mental dips or peak performance, including external influences such as sleep deprivation or pressure.
3. Visualization and coaching advice
   Coaches received a weekly cognitive status report, including recommendations for adjusting training or behavior.
4. Iterative training and feedback
   Athletes went through training programs focused on attention, impulse control and focus recovery, tailored to their individual profile.

Results

• Improved mental consistency during matches and training
• Faster recovery time after cognitive dips
• More control over mental strain and capacity
• Coaches were able to make more proactive adjustments

Learnings‍

Top mental performance appears to be not only trainable, but also predictable. Combining AI and brain data creates a powerful tool for coaches and athletes to systematically improve focus, mental fitness and decision making.

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