PETTLEP-assisted biofeedback training improves physiological parameters, cognitive performance, and overhand serve accuracy in competitive female volleyball players

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Melek Makaracı ^* and Erdal Zorba ^**

^(*) Department of Physical Education and Sports Teaching, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Karamanoǧlu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Turkey
^(**) Department of Recreation, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey

Citation

Makaracı, M., Zorba, E. (2025). PETTLEP-assisted biofeedback training improves physiological parameters, cognitive performance, and overhand serve accuracy in competitive female volleyball players. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 56(6), 528-550. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2025.56.528

Abstract

This study examined the effects of an 8-week PETTLEP-assisted biofeedback (BFB) training program on physiological parameters, cognitive performance, and serve accuracy in female volleyball players. Fourteen athletes were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). The EG underwent an 8-week PETTLEP-assisted BFB training. Participants completed pre- and post-training physiological (e.g., Nexus 10 BFB device), cognitive (e.g., Stroop test), and overhand serve accuracy assessments. Results showed a positive effect of the training on skin temperature, frontalis muscle activity, Stroop effect, and serve accuracy in the EG from pre-to post training. Moreover, significant between-group differences were observed in skin temperature and service accuracy after training. These results suggest that PETTLEP-assisted BFB training is a promising tool for fostering physiological, cognitive, and sport-specific improvement in female volleyball players. Future studies should recruit athletes from other sports disciplines to generalize the results to other athletic populations.

Keywords: Biofeedback, Electrodermal activity, Electromyography, imagery, Skin temperature, volleyball

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