Sport Psychology Lab

Brain, Learning, Attention, and Performance (BLAP) Lab: Dr. DeCouto leads research in the BLAP Lab, exploring cognitive and motor processes that support learning, movement, and high-level performance. The research brings together tools from neuroscience, psychology, and biofeedback to study how factors like anxiety, attention, interoception, and motivation shape learning and performance in real-world settings. The BLAP Lab is especially interested in how brain activity, biofeedback, and human-machine interactions can be used to enhance skill development, support mental well-being, and optimize performance across performance and rehabilitation contexts.

Dr. David Eccles collaborates with the research group on projects examining skill development, deliberate practice, and cognitive strategies in high-level performers. Ongoing studies focus on the role of rest in expertise acquisition, the testing of deliberate practice principles, the design and evaluation of targeted interventions, and the cognitive adaptations that enable performers to overcome processing limitations.

DeCouto, B. S., Bilalić, M., & Williams, A. M. (2024). Neuroimaging and perceptual-cognitive expertise in sport: A narrative review of research and future directions. Neuropsychologia, 109032.

DeCouto, B.S., Fawver, B., Thomas, J. L., Williams, A.M., & Vater, C. (2024). The role of peripheral vision during decision-making in dynamic viewing sequences. Journal of sports sciences, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2023.2301143 DeCouto, B.S., Smeeton, N.J., & Williams, A.M. (2023).

Skill and experience impact neural activity during global and local biological motion processing. Neuropsychologia, 191, 108718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108718

Eccles, D. W., Gretton, T. W., Harris, N., & Wolf, S. A. (2023). “Switching the mind off completely”–Understanding the psychology of rest in coaches. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 69, 102479.

Whyte, J., Eccles, D. W., & Whyte, M. D. (2022). Novice nurses’ attention to task-relevant stimuli during practice. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 13(4), 7.

Balk, Y. A., Tamminen, K. A., & Eccles, D. W. (2021). Too tired to switch off? How post-training physical fatigue impairs mental recovery through increased worry. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 10(4), 489.

Habeeb, C. M., Stephen, S. A., & Eklund, R. C. (2024). Team Efficacy Profiles: Congruence Predicts Objective Performance of Athlete Pairs. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 46(1), 22-33.

Jackson, S. A., Eklund, R. C., Gordon, A., Norsworthy, C., Mackenzie, S. H., Hodge, K., & Stephen, S. A. (2023). Flow and outdoor adventure recreation: Using flow measures to re-examine motives for participation. Psychology of sport and exercise, 67, 102427.

The purpose of a Directed Individual Study (DIS) in the Sport Psychology Laboratory is to provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain experience in conducting research projects. Students will get a chance to familiarize themselves with the research process, including IRB submission, participant recruitment and testing, and qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Additionally, students will learn how various innovative technologies can be used to enhance research projects such as eye-tracking, biofeedback, and visual perception technologies.

Requirements

• Available to work in the lab 9 hours per week (3 credits)
• Motivated to learn about issues and research related to sport and exercise
• Able to work in a team setting

Main supervisor: Dr. David Eccles

ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY (EEG)

Brain Vision EEG

Our Brain Vision EEG system provides high-resolution, non-invasive monitoring of brain activity through active, wet electrodes (actiCAP, 32-channel), enabling precise measurement of cognitive processes. Its mobile and wireless solutions (LiveAmp & STECompact), allow real-time data collection for dynamic applications. The EEG system can also collect/incorporate galvanic skin response (GSR), electrooculography (EOG), cardiac recording (ECG), and experiment related events (photodiode). The Brain Vision Analyzer 2 software supports detailed brain analyses on perceptual motor and cognitive processes.

Eye Tracking

Tobii Pro Glasses 3 Eye Tracker

Tobii Pro Glasses 3 Eye Tracker allows for mobile capture of eye movements (50-100hz), revealing where individuals are looking in lab-based and dynamic performance environments. By analyzing patterns in visual behavior, the technology can provide insights into information processing, decision-making, and visuomotor strategies.

NEUROFEEDBACK

i-BrainTech

i-BrainTech is a brain-computer interface (BCI) that employs neurofeedback to enhance concentration and motor imagery in sport-specific virtual environments. Individuals wear an EEG cap and visualize sport-specific movements, and active electrodes detect activation of frontal and motor brain regions, which controls the performance of a virtual avatar. Used by elite football clubs, this innovative system supports cognitive skill development and aids athletes in return to play following injury.

Mendi Headband

Utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), Mendi is employed to enhance athletes' cognitive performance through neurofeedback training. The Mendi headset monitors blood flow and oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex, providing real-time feedback via an app-based game that athletes control by focusing, strengthening mental resilience and attention. This portable, non-invasive tool can support athletes in optimizing focus, managing stress, and improving decision-making under pressure.

FocusCalm Headband 

FocusCalm is utilized to enhance athletes' mental performance through neurofeedback training. The FocusCalm EEG headset measures brain activity, providing real-time feedback via an app with games and meditations that help athletes improve focus and calmness under pressure. This non-invasive tool supports athletes in developing cognitive control, reducing anxiety, and optimizing their mental state for competitive success.

CARDIAC MONITORING

Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitors

Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitors utilize high-quality electrodes to deliver interference free electrical (ECG) heart rate measurement. It features integrated memory for a single training session and offers versatile connectivity via Bluetooth, ANT+, and 5kHz Gymlink technologies.

VO2MAX Measurements

Parvomedics TrueOne 2400

The Parvomedics TruOne2400 metabolic measurement cart evaluates gas exchange and ventilatory parameters during exercise endurance tests. The system is synchronized with a programmable Velotron cycle ergometer and Polar Heart Rate monitor. The system provides valid and reliable results for the measurement of cardio and exertion. This can be used to study the psychological mechanisms of aerobic exercise and exertion. This technology is available in collaboration with FSU ISSM.

PERCEPTUAL MOTOR TRAINING TOOLS

Dynavision D2 

The Dynavision D2 system allows athletes to train their perceptual vision and reaction time to external stimuli. As a result, athletes can improve their peripheral awareness and process multiple tasks more efficiently and rapidly.

FITLIGHTs

The FITLIGHT training system is an advanced reaction time training system designed to enhance athletic performance through wireless LED light sensors. It measures and improves reaction time, reflexes, and cognitive functions by challenging users with dynamic, customizable drills. The system provides real-time feedback, enabling precise tracking of progress in speed, agility, and neurocognitive skills, making it ideal for optimizing performance in sports and rehabilitation settings.

Meta Quest 3 Virtual Reality (VR)

The Meta Quest 3 is a virtual reality headset powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform and dual LCD panels with advanced pancake lens optics. It combines high resolution RGB color cameras with a built-in depth sensor to seamlessly blend high-fidelity physical environments with digital 3D space. The VR headset allows us to research cognition and performance by immersing participants in fully controlled simulations that safely test decision-making, motor control, and stress regulation.

BIOFEEDBACK DEVICES

ProComp Infiniti 

Researchers and consultants can use Thought Technology’s biofeedback system to measure athletes’ physiological functions. For example, one can measure and analyze different variables such as: Skin Conductance Response (SCR), Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electromyography (EMG), and Temperature among others.

EmWave2/eVU Biofeedback

emWave2 technology focuses on optimizing psychophysiological coherence by measuring heart rate variability (HRV), a key indicator of emotional and mental resilience. Through a user-friendly interface, emWave2 provides visual feedback on HRV patterns, guiding athletes to achieve a balanced state of calm focus and energy. The eVu system is a compact, wearable biofeedback device designed to monitor key physiological signals, including heart rate, skin conductance, and temperature. By tracking these metrics, eVu enables athletes to gain awareness of their body's stress responses during training or competition.