Elite athletes face constant pressure to push their own limits and achieve the highest level of performance in their disciplines. Their success depends on the ability to train intensively, maintain focus during competitions and recover effectively after each effort. At the highest competitive level, any improvement, no matter how small, can make the difference with the opponent. That is why elite athletes are adopting innovative technologies, such as non-invasive neuromodulation, to optimise their performance. Today we talk about elite athletes and neuromodulation, in our new blog post, NESA life, and we do it interspersed with statements from a luxury guest, Alejandra Salazar, the number 1 padel player in the world.

Elite athletes and neuromodulation backed by scientific evidence

As you know, NESA® medical technology is backed by solid scientific evidence. NESA® Non Invasive Neuromodulation, through its medical device XSIGNAL®, has become an indispensable tool for elite athletes who want to go one step further in their sporting performance. We already told you about a study carried out by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Barça Innovation Hub, about the improvement of the sports performance of elite athletes. This scientific study confirmed the improvement in rest, sleep and recovery in basketball players thanks to the use of Non Invasive Neuromodulation NESA® . In fact, in one of our next entries to this blog we intend to recover this enlightening study, chatting with one of its authors: Franc García Garrido, physical trainer of the club's first basketball team.

The importance of recovery in elite sportsmen and women

Training and competing at a high level can lead to muscle and mental fatigue. Adequate recovery is essential to enable athletes to remain at their best. In addition, quality sleep is a critical component of athletic performance and overall health. Among the benefits of using neuromodulation are relaxation and stress reduction, which facilitates muscle recovery and deep sleep. Therefore, elite athletes who incorporate this type of passive therapy into their daily routine experience a noticeable improvement in the quality of their sleep, allowing them to wake up more rested and ready to face new sporting challenges.

In the words of our guest elite athlete, Alejandra Salazar, ‘the most surprising thing is the improvement in night-time rest. Since I have been using the XSIGNAL® medical device to neuromodulate my autonomic nervous system, I sleep much better’.

NESA® Non Invasive Neuromodulation has been shown to be beneficial in post-match recovery and in improving night-time rest. Not surprisingly, we have an exclusive method, the 4Sleep Drive method, created by professionals in neurology, pulmonology, neurophysiology, psychology and physiotherapy specialised in sleep. Because quality sleep is the basis of everything.

Improving concentration and mental clarity in elite sportsmen and women

Mental clarity and concentration are essential in the lives of elite athletes. These skills enable optimal performance by executing technical movements with precision, making strategic decisions at crucial moments and maintaining emotional control under pressure. They are also key to preventing injuries, adapting to challenging situations and maintaining consistency in performance. Elite athletes often use mental training techniques to cultivate these skills and reach their full potential in their sport.

‘To be a professional padel player requires a lot of dedication, hours of effort and empathy, because we often play in pairs. That's why it's important to know how to adapt. Adaptability, flexibility, open mind. Being very open to everything that can happen during a tournament, in training, and also when injuries occur’ says Alejandra. Concentration, therefore, is fundamental.

Full interview with Alejandra Salazar, world's number one padel player

Injuries in elite athletes: testimony of Alejandra Salazar

Injuries. That headache for elite sportsmen and women. In this sense, the testimony of Alejandra Salazar, the world's number 1 padel player, is revealing:

‘I have also had bad moments that sport gives you, such as injuries. Serious, long injuries, such as broken knees. I've broken both of them. In my last injury, an elbow injury, a surgery, NESA® Non Invasive Neuromodulation has been vital in my recovery. I'm so grateful that I've been able to get the full benefit out of it. Overall, my body has been much more de-inflated and it's helped me to be much more focused in matches.

Injury prevention tips for professional players

As we have learned from Alejandra Salazar, in the competitive world of professional sports, injuries can be a constant threat to an athlete's performance. However, with the right attention and a few key tips, players can significantly reduce the risk of sustaining career-ending injuries. The following tips apply to both elite and amateur athletes. Anyone who wants to start practising any sport should bear in mind these sports tips that we share below:

• Warm-up and stretching. This is essential. Before every training session and/or match, make sure you warm up properly followed by stretching to prepare your muscles and joints.
• Balanced nutrition. You are what you eat. Maintain a balanced diet that is appropriate for your sport, including the nutrients needed for recovery and endurance. Seeing a professional who can guide you on this path is essential.
• Hydration. The human body is mainly water. If we are more into numbers, we would say that 60% of the human body is water. Do you understand why good hydration is essential? Both for sport and for life. Drink enough water before, during and after physical activity to prevent cramps and exhaustion.
• Rest and recovery. Listen to your body and make sure you take the time you need to rest and recover after intense workouts.
• Protective equipment. Use the right protective equipment for your sport and make sure it is in good condition.
• Medical attention. In case of injury, seek immediate medical attention and follow the health professional's recommendations.

These tips are essential to keep professional and amateur players in peak physical condition and prevent injuries that can hinder their success on the field of play.

Elite sportsmen and women and the constant quest for performance improvement

Many elite athletes already use NESA® Non Invasive Neuromodulation as part of their daily routine. They are elite athletes who are constantly looking for ways to improve their performance, recovery and night's rest. Carolina Marín, Olympic Badminton champion and three times world champion, by the way, we love her motto, ‘I can because I think I can’, Sergio Canales, professional football player, or Pablo Villa, Trail Running world champion, are just a few examples. We can affirm that NESA® Non Invasive Neuromodulation is an innovative and effective tool to achieve these goals. Remember that scientific evidence backs us up. By combining traditional methods with this non-invasive neuromodulation medical technology, athletes can maximise their potential. Because, as we said at the beginning of this post, any improvement at these levels can make a difference. It goes without saying that elite sport has a new ally which, by the way, is here to stay.