Method and apparatus for performance optimization through physical perturbation of task elements

A method for encouraging self-regulation of a physiological state consistent with the optimal performance of a task comprising the steps of:

• a. positioning a trainee within a task environment having a surface;
• b. positioning a target, having a variable area for the receipt of a projectile, within said task environment at a distance from said trainee;
• c. equipping said trainee with a biofeedback device that is worn by said trainee;
• d. equipping said trainee with a task device with which to cast said projectile at said target;
• e. connecting said trainee to at least one biosensing device that is an operative component of said biofeedback device worn by said trainee;
• f. using said biosensing device to measure said trainee's physiological state by measuring at least one physiological signal of said trainee;
• g. outputting said measurement of said trainee's physiological state obtained by said biosensing device as a signal encoding said at least one measured value of said physiological signal to a computing device;
• h. using said computing device to compare said measured value of said physiological signal output to said computing device by said biosensing device to a preprogrammed, or downloaded, or trainee-input corresponding value of a physiological signal that is optimally consistent with the successful performance of said task by said trainee, termed a physiological target value;
• i. using said computing device to compute a physiological difference value as the absolute value of a difference between said measured value of said physiological signal and said corresponding value of a physiological signal that is optimally consistent with said successful performance of said task by said trainee;
• j. displaying said physiological difference value to said trainee by means of an auditory or tactile display device that is an operative component of said biofeedback device;
• k. using said computing device to transmit said physiological difference value as an encoded signal to at least one computer-controlled mechanical system;
• l. providing said task environment with a surface operationally connected to a first computer-controlled mechanical system adapted to impart a vibration or undulation to said surface, said vibration or undulation having a frequency or an amplitude, or both, that increase as said physiological difference value increases, said physiological difference value being received by said computer-controlled mechanical system as encoded in a signal that is transmitted to said computer-controlled mechanical system by said computing device;
• m. providing said task environment with a surface operationally connected to a second computer-controlled mechanical system adapted to vary a gradient of said surface in proportion to said physiological difference value by means of a computer-controlled mechanical system adapted to increase said gradient as said physiological difference value increases, said physiological difference value being received by said computer-controlled mechanical system as encoded in a signal that is transmitted to said computer-controlled mechanical system by said computing device;
• n. providing said target with a third computer-controlled mechanical system adapted to decrease said variable area as said physiological difference value increases, said physiological difference value being received by said computer-controlled mechanical system as encoded in a signal that is transmitted to said computer-controlled mechanical system by said computing device;
• o. providing said task device used by said trainee to cast said projectile at said target with a fourth computer-controlled mechanical system adapted to impart a vibration or undulation to said task device, said vibration or undulation having a frequency or an amplitude, or both, that increase as said physiological difference value increases, said physiological difference value being received by said computer-controlled mechanical system as encoded in a signal that is transmitted to said computer-controlled mechanical system by said computing device;
• p. making said distance from said trainee to said target proportional to said physiological difference value by means of a fifth computer-controlled mechanical system adapted to increase said distance as said physiological difference value increases, said physiological difference value being received by said computer-controlled mechanical system as encoded in a signal that is transmitted to said computer-controlled mechanical system by said computing device.