Abstract
BACKGROUND: Biofeedback and neurofeedback are increasingly used in sports psychology, yet their overall effectiveness for athletes' mental health, athletic performance, and cognitive performance remains unclear. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials across eight databases and performed Bayesian random-effects meta-analyses. Study selection used ASReview with the SAFE rule; full-text screening was done in Covidence; risk of bias followed Cochrane guidance; certainty of evidence was appraised with GRADE. RESULTS: Forty-one studies met inclusion. Pooled effects were statistically significant across domains: mental health µ(SMD)=0.76 (95% CrI 0.44-1.09), athletic performance µ(SMD)=0.88 (0.69-1.05), and cognitive performance µ(SMD)=0.81 (0.48-1.14). CONCLUSION: Biofeedback and neurofeedback benefit athletes across mental, athletic, and cognitive outcomes. Given heterogeneity and sample sizes, further rigorous trials are warranted to refine the estimates. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration CRD420251015094.