Effects of Alpha-Band EEG Neurofeedback on Load-Specific Squat Performance in Competitive Judokas: The Role of Training Status

This dataset supports the study titled "Effects of Alpha-Band EEG Neurofeedback on Load-Specific Squat Performance in Competitive Judokas: The Role of Training Status", which investigated the neuromuscular and cortical effects of a 15-session alpha-band EEG neurofeedback intervention on lower-body strength across five relative loads (35%–100% 1RM) in elite male judokas. The study stratified athletes into advanced and intermediate-level groups based on training history and strength benchmarks. The intervention targeted frontal alpha asymmetry (FAI) using real-time EEG from F3 and F4 electrodes. The dataset includes raw and preprocessed EEG data, performance scores (ΔReps at each %RM), calculated neurofeedback efficiency indices (ΔReps/ΔFAI), group classification, and R scripts used for statistical and machine learning analyses (PCA, ANCOVA, MANOVA). All EEG data were artifact-corrected (ICA), z-scored, and quality-checked (±75 µV threshold). This study was conducted at the Biomechanics Laboratory of the Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice (KB/10/2021). The research contributes to neuroperformance science by showing that advanced athletes demonstrated stronger cortical plasticity but no superior neuromuscular efficiency gains compared to intermediate-level judokas. The repository adheres to FAIR principles and includes all essential documentation and metadata for replication. It was preregistered and time-stamped prior to analysis.