Scientific Foundation

In this chapter, we define mental performance and frame the vocabulary and notions that are used throughout the following chapters. This chapter provides an overarching framework for a psychophysiological concept of performance, detailing the scientific descriptions of the different systems in physiology and psychology we draw on for the study of mental performance enhancement. First, we set the scene, and explain how and why we choose the scientific approach, and what this entails exactly. We then define mental performance and delve a little deeper into cognitive psychology concepts which precisely describe the machinery of information processing, or how our brains analyse input, make decisions, and act on those. This terminology is often used in reports describing performance enhancement, hence its basic understanding is necessary to be able to critically appraise those. The next subsection will provide the necessary background physiological concepts, focusing on the human nervous system, with an emphasis on brain physiology and the autonomic nervous system. Our last section will present a psychophysiological approach to stress and mental fatigue. Stress is the paramount example of a psychophysiological concept; its study laid the foundation for autonomic nervous system physiology; and it is ever present in elite performance.