Exercise Science Principles
NPT/BSP Applies Exercise Science Principles: Overload, SAID and FITT
Neuro Performance Training for Sports with Brainspotting applies the same principles of exercise science to training the brain and nervous system as coaches and athletes use to train the body. (Paige Roberts, LCSW)
The OVERLOAD Principle - in order for improvement and adaptation to occur, a greater than normal stress or load on the body is required. This is done by increasing any parameter of fitness to make the muscles work harder than they are accustomed to (overload). It should be at an intensity where the individual feels some kind of stress or discomfort.
NPT/Brainspotting Applied - in Brainspotting we aim to trigger as much stimulus of the upsetting event as possible (overloading the nervous system) so the athlete’s nervous system will grow stronger.
The goal is for the athlete’s brain and body to process, release and heal from the experience so the athlete will never anticipate or feel upset about the incident again. (Paige Roberts, LCSW)
The SAID Principle (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demand) -a certain type of exercise or training produces adaptations specific to the activity performed and only in the muscles (and energy systems) that are stressed by the activity. Thus, the body adapts in a specific fashion to the specific demands placed on it.
NPT/Brainspotting Applied - Brainspotting uses eye position to access and process the specific maladaptive neuro pathways in the nervous system that need to be cleared. This demand placed on the nervous system clears these maladaptive neuro pathways that are interfering with sports performance.
(Paige Roberts, LCSW)
- The reflexive cue of a Brainspot indicates a weakness in the nervous system. Like all weaknesses within the nervous system, you must employ the Overload and SAID principles to make it stronger. (Paige Roberts, LCSW)
The FITT Principle - the key components of an effective exercise program, with each one adjusted to maximize the results.
Frequency – how often you exercise. After any form of exercise your body completes a process of rebuilding and repairing. Determining the frequency of exercise is important in order to find a balance that provides just enough stress for the body to adapt and allows enough rest time for healing. With NPT/BSP, we usually recommend 1-2 sessions per week, though it can be flexible depending on circumstances.
Intensity – defined as the amount of effort or work that must be completed in a specific exercise. NPT/BSP seeks high intensity for the best results.
Time – How long each session should last. The time actually processing varies from about 15 minutes to 45 minutes.
Type - The type of exercise you will be doing. The type is Neuro Performance Training with Brainspotting, which puts stress on the nervous system and the neuro pathways.
(Paige Roberts, LCSW)