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.

Laboratory for Emotions in Groups and Organizations (LEGO): Dr. Svenja Wolf leads research in LEGO, investigating how emotions and group dynamics influence individuals, teams, leaders, and organizations in sport and other high-pressure environments like music and emergency response. LEGO prioritizes ecologically valid research with real-world impact, working closely with performers, teams, and organizations to translate findings and co-develop research questions that enhance performance, collaboration, and well-being.

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

Wolf, S. A., Heerdink, M. W., & van Kleef, G. A. (2023). A motivational account of convergence in emotion expressions within groups: The Emotional Conformity Framework. Emotion Review. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/17540739231182241

Kim, J., Tamminen, K. A., Bissett, J. E., Danyluck, C., Wolf, S. A., McEwen, C., & Wagstaff, C. R. D. (2023). “I hate it when that happens too!”: Observed and perceived exchanges of social support between university student-athletes during discussions of stressors. International Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/1612197X.2022.2161106

Tamminen, K., Wolf, S. A., Dunn, R., & Bissett, J. E. (2022). A review of the interpersonal experience, expression, and regulation of emotions in sport. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Ahead-Of-Print (Ahead-Of-Print), 1–38. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/1750984X.2022.2132526

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

Below are examples of equipment available in the lab for research, practice, and teaching in the field of sport psychology.

BIOFEEDBACK DEVICES

Biofeedback (Procomp Infinity)
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.

EmWAVE/eVU BIOFEEDBACK
emWave 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, emWave provides visual feedback on HRV patterns, guiding athletes to achieve a balanced state of calm focus and energy. By practicing coherence techniques, athletes can enhance their ability to recover from stress, sustain concentration, and perform at their best.

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.

https://evutps.com/

MENDI
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 supports athletes in optimizing focus, managing stress, and improving decision-making under competitive pressure.

https://www.mendi.io/?srsltid=AfmBOooo4PKXJP9qb3AU2ndrcJLQQ_EY8BIoo4ZKHHebNBdH3OD_h3bh

FOCUSCALM HEADBANDS
FocusCalm technology 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.

https://focuscalm.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo7ORryiwidM9yd2nysEiMaWAH-mmYvLQ2zwmtnFaQzvw1jYbXc

i-BrainTech
i-BrainTech technology employs neurofeedback to enhance athletic performance through brain-controlled, sport-specific video games. Athletes wear an EEG cap to visualize movements, activating motor control areas of the brain, which improves focus, decision-making, and tactical awareness without physical exertion. Proven effective with top football clubs, this innovative system supports cognitive skill development and accelerates recovery, particularly for injured athletes returning to play.

https://www.i-brain.tech/

Encephalography (EEG)
Brain Vision EEG technology provides high-resolution, non-invasive monitoring of brain activity through advanced electrode systems like the actiCAP, enabling precise measurement of cognitive processes during athletic performance. Its mobile and wireless solutions, such as LiveAmp, allow real-time data collection in dynamic sports environments, minimizing movement artifacts. Integrated with software like BrainVision Analyzer, it supports detailed analysis of neural correlates, enhancing athletes’ focus, decision-making, and stress management.

https://brainvision.com/

Eye Tracking

Tobii Eye Tracker technology to revolutionize athletic performance. This cutting-edge tool captures precise eye movement data, revealing where athletes focus during critical moments. By analyzing visual attention patterns, we uncover insights into decision-making, reaction times, and mental strategies. Our research leverages Tobii's capabilities to optimize training, enhance concentration, and boost competitive edge, empowering athletes to perform at their peak.

https://www.tobii.com/

VO2MAX Measurements

The Parvomedics TrueOne 2400 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. It provides a reliable and valid results for the measurement of cardio and exertion and is being used to study the psychological mechanisms of aerobic exercise and exertion. This technology is available in collaboration with FSU ISSM.

http://www.parvo.com/

https://annescollege.fsu.edu/resources/institute-sports-sciences-and-medicine

PERCEPTUAL MOTOR TRAINING TOOLS

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

Nike SPARQ Vapor Strobe Eyewear
The Nike SPARQ Vapor Strobe Eyewear occludes the athlete’s vision at different frequencies. This allows athletes to work on their perceptual vision and improve their decision-making and anticipation skills.

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.

https://www.fitlighttraining.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor_8u25A_VysvE0vmoWcnFuLkxa4o4ACB192Whp796qayrTI-9X

META Oculus Rift Virtual Reality (VR)
VR headsets are used in the sport psychology lab in collaboration with the Technology Sandbox. Current VR models include Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, and Apple Vision Pro.

The Meta Oculus Rift offers an immersive experience in virtual reality environments. It is being used for research and applied purposes to allow us to work with athletes in a virtual representation of their sport or exercise environment without leaving the lab.

https://annescollege.fsu.edu/resources/technology-sandbox https://www.meta.com/quest

CAMERA RECORDING CAPABILITIES
Additionally, the sport psychology lab has equipment for digital recording capabilities.