Final answer:
Scientists believe that elite athletic performance is as much about the brain as it is about the body. When athletes are 'in the zone', specific brain processes and patterns are involved. The brain controls movement, enhances focus and motivation, and facilitates the state of flow for optimal performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scientists now believe that elite athletic performance is just as much about harnessing the brain as it is about the body because the brain plays a crucial role in controlling and coordinating physical movements. When athletes are 'in the zone', they experience a state of heightened focus, concentration, and optimal performance. This state, known as flow or peak performance, is associated with specific brain processes and patterns.
During flow, athletes show increased activation in certain brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex and the striatum, which are involved in attention, decision-making, and skill execution. The brain also releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, which enhance motivation, reward, and learning.
Additionally, during flow, the brain enters a state of reduced self-consciousness and a heightened sense of time distortion, allowing athletes to perform at their best without feeling anxious or distracted.
In summary, the brain plays a crucial role in elite athletic performance by controlling movement, enhancing focus and motivation, and facilitating the state of flow that leads to optimal performance.