Motivation undeniably plays a pivotal role in the realm of sports. But which specific brain functions fuel this drive? Let’s unravel this fascinating subject.
Read more: The Brain Behind Sports Motivation: A Deep DiveFrom Overcoming Challenges to Achieving Greatness
There are countless tales in sports of individuals who may not have been the most naturally gifted, but surpassed others due to sheer motivation and determination. A story I came across last week in the AD highlights this beautifully: Despite being recommended for vocational education in primary school, Adam Nassiri proudly earned his Law degree. Through his journey, Adam aims to inspire and motivate others. He mentions, “I had to work harder than the rest to achieve it, but that never deterred me.” His tale piqued my curiosity about the exact brain functions that were triggered during his pursuit.
Decoding The Technicalities
The recent study titled “Glutamine-to-glutamate ratio in the nucleus accumbens predicts effort-based motivated performance in humans” shed some light on this. Admittedly, the study’s title, dense with neuropsychological jargon, made me think twice. Yet, given that our topic is motivation, delving into it seemed like an exciting challenge. A parallel study conducted by Professor Carmen Sandi and Dr. Gedi Luksys at the University of Edinburgh particularly emphasized the role of the ‘Nucleus Accumbens’ concerning motivation. If you’re curious about where this brain function resides, check out this enlightening video:
The Nucleus Accumbens: A Hub for Motivation
Interestingly, this part of the brain is pivotal for various functions such as aversion, reward, reinforcement, and of course, motivation. To further understand the role of the Nucleus Accumbens in motivation, scientists designed the EPFL test, also termed the “monetary incentive force task”. It measures effort through a gripping test where participants are urged to squeeze as hard as they can. To visualize this, here’s a link to what the participants had to execute:
See the Test in Action
Study Findings: The Power of Competition and Neurotransmitters
The Brain Behind Sports Motivation: A Deep Dive
(SEO Title: Sports Motivation and Brain Functions: An Insightful Study)
Motivation undeniably plays a pivotal role in the realm of sports. But which specific brain functions fuel this drive? Let’s unravel this fascinating subject.
From Overcoming Challenges to Achieving Greatness
There are countless tales in sports of individuals who may not have been the most naturally gifted, but surpassed others due to sheer motivation and determination. A story I came across last week in the AD highlights this beautifully: Despite being recommended for vocational education in primary school, Adam Nassiri proudly earned his Law degree. Through his journey, Adam aims to inspire and motivate others. He mentions, “I had to work harder than the rest to achieve it, but that never deterred me.” His tale piqued my curiosity about the exact brain functions that were triggered during his pursuit.
Decoding The Technicalities
The recent study titled “Glutamine-to-glutamate ratio in the nucleus accumbens predicts effort-based motivated performance in humans” shed some light on this. Admittedly, the study’s title, dense with neuropsychological jargon, made me think twice. Yet, given that our topic is motivation, delving into it seemed like an exciting challenge. A parallel study conducted by Professor Carmen Sandi and Dr. Gedi Luksys at the University of Edinburgh particularly emphasized the role of the ‘Nucleus Accumbens’ concerning motivation. If you’re curious about where this brain function resides, check out this enlightening video:
Watch the Video
The Nucleus Accumbens: A Hub for Motivation
Interestingly, this part of the brain is pivotal for various functions such as aversion, reward, reinforcement, and of course, motivation. To further understand the role of the Nucleus Accumbens in motivation, scientists designed the EPFL test, also termed the “monetary incentive force task”. It measures effort through a gripping test where participants are urged to squeeze as hard as they can. To visualize this, here’s a link to what the participants had to execute:
See the Test in Action
Study Findings: The Power of Competition and Neurotransmitters
43 men were put to the test. Their efforts were tied to varying monetary incentives. Concurrently, a brain scan captured activities in the Nucleus Accumbens. Analysis unveiled that the key to performance, and by extension, motivation, lay in activating specific neurotransmitters. These substances enable neuron communication. Their presence influences individuals to be more driven towards particular tasks. A vital takeaway from the research was that introducing an element of competition magnifies motivation, even in the absence of these specific neurotransmitters.
Bridging Science with Practical Application
“As these findings unfold, we gain fresh insights into motivation neuroscience,” Carmen Sandi shared with Scitechdaily. She elaborates that certain neurotransmitters can potentially predict motivation levels. Such revelations can shape therapeutic strategies, even pivoting towards dietary interventions focusing on specific nutrients.
For coaches or trainers, the burning question remains: How can this scientific knowledge be applied practically? The emphasis on competition during practice sessions, for instance, can be a game-changer. Drills with point systems or scores can foster motivation. The potential of specific dietary components in amplifying motivation is another exciting frontier. We already turn to grape sugars for an energy boost; maybe in a decade, we’ll have a dietary “magic potion” to enhance motivation.
For some added motivation as we conclude, here’s a video that promises to uplift and inspire:
Get Inspired
Sources
“Glutamine-to-glutamate ratio in the nucleus accumbens predicts effort-based motivated performance in humans” by Alina Strasser, Gediminas Luksys, Lijing Xin, Mathias Pessiglione, Rolf Gruetter and Carmen Sandi, 20 July 2020, Neuropsychopharmacology.
DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0760-6