1/4 Hour Neuro #17: What Percentage of Performance Gain with Neuro-Training?

Introduction: Neuro-Training for Enhanced Performance

Welcome to this "1/4 Hour Neuro" where we will address a recurring question: what performance gains can we expect from neuro-training, both for training and competition? It is crucial to understand that neuro-training enhances what you already do; it does not replace it. Its goal is to optimize your system rather than create performances out of nothing.

Neuro-training will not turn a non-athlete into a champion overnight. However, for an athlete already engaged in physical preparation, it offers a powerful lever to improve efficiency, health, and ultimately performance. Contrary to popular belief, the primary objective is to regulate the nervous system for better energy expenditure and injury prevention.

The Extent of Gains: From 1% to 15%, a Matter of Individualization

Precisely quantifying the performance gains related to neuro-training is complex. Studies mention figures ranging from 3% to 6%. However, these averages mask significant individual variability. In reality, gains can be much greater for some individuals, while for others, they will be more modest.

Romain, a physical trainer, even mentions gains of 10% to 15% in some individuals. This difference can be explained by each person’s history and needs. Someone with dysfunctions in their proprioceptive, vestibular, or visual systems will experience greater gains, as they are starting from a lower baseline.

Sporting Specialty and Athlete Level

The percentage gain must also be contextualized according to the discipline and the athlete's level. A 1% gain in a sprint for a European-level athlete is massive, as it often separates qualification from a gold medal. In team sports, measuring performance is often more difficult than for quantifiable efforts like a jump, squat, or pure sprint.

Moreover, sports history plays a key role. An individual who has been sedentary until adulthood may have impressive gains, as their "room for improvement" is much greater compared to someone who has practiced several sports since childhood.

Beyond the Numbers: Efficiency, Health, and Injury Prevention

Performance improvement is not merely about a simple percentage. Neuro-training contributes to better movement efficiency. For example, during a bench press, if one side is stronger than the other, neuro-training aims to rebalance the system. This allows, at the same performance level, to minimize mechanical stress and strain, thereby reducing the long-term risk of injuries.

Injury prevention is a fundamental aspect, especially in high-level sports. An athlete who rarely gets injured can train more regularly and progress continuously. Improving movement mechanics is therefore as crucial as pure physical performance.

The Example of Runners and Posture

For runners, neuro-training can influence subtle aspects like ground contact time or foot alignment. Even if gains of a few centimeters per stride may seem minimal, when accumulated over a 10 km distance, they can make a difference. However, it is challenging to isolate the impact of neuro-training from that of general physical preparation. It is a whole, a synergy.

Studies on neuro-training often focus on cognitive aspects, which are more "concrete" and easier to measure. However, the goal remains to regulate the tone of the central nervous system. A well-calibrated nervous system expends less energy to function, allowing for a focus on performance or, more simply, a better quality of life.

Neuro-Training in Everyday Life: For Health Benefits

Although the question of performance gains is often raised by high-level athletes or competitors, a large portion of people interested in neuro-training are actually seeking well-being and health. The prophylactic approach of neuro-training, by improving body awareness and motor skills, is a significant asset for everyday life.

For the general public or so-called "intermediate" competitors, the gains can be particularly impressive. These individuals often start from a more significant distance in terms of overall care, offering a greater potential for improvement.

Concrete Benefits with Simple Exercises

Very short exercises can lead to significant changes. For example, targeting the activation of specific points for a "gluteal amnesia" on the right side can rebalance the body and improve strength. The time investment is minimal for potentially high returns, even for a 1% gain.

In summary, neuro-training offers individualized benefits, whether it’s about reaching athletic peaks, preventing injuries, or simply improving one's health and balance in daily life. It represents a valuable tool for optimizing the functioning of our nervous system.