The Evidence Behind RAW Edge Performance
Every course, workshop, and training tool we use is informed by peer-reviewed research. Below are the studies behind our MPM™ (Mental Performance Model™) — three pillars of mental performance training. Each citation links to its original publication.
Mental Fitness Pillar™ — Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
The Mental Fitness pillar is built on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach to psychological flexibility that helps athletes perform under pressure by developing awareness, acceptance, and values-driven action.
Foundational Research
1. Hayes SC, Luoma JB, Bond FW, Masuda A, Lillis J (2006). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(1), 1-25.
DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2005.06.006 · PubMed: 16300724
Full review of the ACT model, theoretical foundations, and evidence for effectiveness across multiple domains including performance.
ACT in Sport
2. Chang D, Hwang S (2017). The development of anger management program based on acceptance and commitment therapy for youth taekwondo players. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 13(2), 160-167.
DOI: 10.12965/jer.1732882.441 · PubMed: 28503528
An 8-session ACT program helped youth taekwondo athletes develop greater psychological flexibility and manage emotions during competition.
3. Reinebo G, Bjorverud LG, Parling T, Andersson G, Jansson-Frojmark M, Lundgren T (2024). Development and experiences of an internet-based acceptance and commitment training (I-ACT) intervention in ice hockey players: A qualitative feasibility study. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 6, 1297631.
DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1297631
Internet-delivered ACT demonstrated feasibility for athletes, with participants reporting enhanced performance and life satisfaction.
4. Wood S, Turner MJ (2025). Integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Psychological Skills Training (PST): a case study. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1617548.
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1617548
Combined ACT and psychological skills training reduced performance anxiety in a competitive figure skater, enabling effective performance alongside difficult thoughts.
Social Fitness Pillar™ — Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Social Fitness pillar draws on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) research, teaching communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership skills through structured sport-based programs.
Foundational Research
5. Durlak JA, Weissberg RP, Dymnicki AB, Taylor RD, Schellinger KB (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405-432.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x · PubMed: 21291449
Meta-analysis of 213 SEL programs (270,034 students): participants showed improved social-emotional skills, attitudes, and an 11-percentile-point gain in academic achievement.
SEL in Youth Sport
6. Carreres-Ponsoda F, Escarti A, Jimenez-Olmedo JM, Cortell-Tormo JM (2021). Effects of a Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Model Intervention in Competitive Youth Sport. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 624018.
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.624018 · PubMed: 33746843
Implementing the TPSR model in competitive youth soccer improved prosocial behaviors, personal and social responsibility, and self-efficacy over 9 months.
7. Li J, Shao W (2022). Influence of Sports Activities on Prosocial Behavior of Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(11), 6484.
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116484 · PubMed: 35682069
Review of 27 intervention studies found strong evidence that sports activities improve prosocial behaviors in children and adolescents, with team sports showing greater benefits.
8. Aygun Y, Boke H, Yagin FH, et al. (2024). Emotional and Social Outcomes of the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Model in Physical Education: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Children, 11(4), 459.
DOI: 10.3390/children11040459 · PubMed: 38671676
Meta-analysis found significant positive effect of the TPSR model on social-emotional outcomes in youth (Hedge’s g = 0.337).
9. Teques AP, de Oliveira RF, Bednarikova M, et al. (2024). Social and emotional skills in at-risk adolescents through participation in sports. Sports, 12(7), 181.
DOI: 10.3390/sports12070181
Multi-country study of 96 institutionalised adolescents showed sports participation develops emotional coping mechanisms and social skills that extend beyond athletic contexts.
Neuro Fitness Pillar™ — Visual-Motor Training
The Neuro Fitness pillar uses Senaptec technology (Sensory Station assessments and Strobe glasses) to measure and train 10 visual-motor skills critical to sport performance. All equipment used in our programs is backed by peer-reviewed research.
Stroboscopic Training
10. Appelbaum LG, Schroeder JE, Cain MS, Darling EF, Mitroff SR (2011). Improved Visual Cognition through Stroboscopic Training. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, 276.
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00276 · PubMed: 22059078
Stroboscopic eyewear training improved central visual field motion sensitivity and transient attention abilities.
11. Hulsdunker T, Gunasekara N, Mierau A (2021). Short- and Long-Term Stroboscopic Training Effects on Visuomotor Performance in Elite Youth Sports. Part 1: Reaction and Behavior. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 53(5), 960-972.
DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002541 · PubMed: 33060548
Stroboscopic training significantly accelerated visuomotor reaction time in elite badminton athletes, with effects retained over time.
Vision Training and Sport Performance
12. Clark JF, Ellis JK, Bench J, Khoury J, Graman P (2012). High-Performance Vision Training Improves Batting Statistics for University of Cincinnati Baseball Players. PLoS ONE, 7(1), e29109.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029109
Structured vision training program improved team batting average from .251 to .285 over one season.
13. Poltavski D, Biberdorf D, Poltavski CP (2021). Which Comes First in Sports Vision Training: The Software or the Hardware Update? Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 15, 732303.
DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.732303 · PubMed: 34690722
10 weeks of combined oculomotor and sports vision training improved visual performance in youth hockey players, with electrophysiological evidence of neural adaptation.
Visual Perturbation and Rehabilitation
14. Grooms DR, Chaudhari A, Page SJ, Nichols-Larsen DS, Onate JA (2018). Visual-Motor Control of Drop Landing After ACL Reconstruction. Journal of Athletic Training, 53(5), 466-473.
DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-178-16 · PubMed: 29749751
Demonstrated that ACL injury alters motor-control responses to visual feedback, supporting visual-motor training in rehabilitation.
15. Wohl TR, Criss CR, Grooms DR (2021). Visual Perturbation to Enhance Return to Sport Rehabilitation after ACL Injury. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 16(3), 805-815.
PubMed: 33842051
Clinical commentary presenting visual perturbation training as a novel approach to supplement ACL return-to-sport rehabilitation.
Recent Meta-Analyses
16. Guo J, et al. (2025). Stroboscopic training effects on athletic performance and cognitive function across populations, purposes, and skill types: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living.
PubMed: 41458106
Meta-analysis confirming stroboscopic training benefits across multiple athletic populations and skill types.
17. Liu S, Edmunds FR, Burris K, Appelbaum LG (2020). Dynamic vision training transfers positively to batting practice performance among collegiate baseball batters. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 51, 101759.
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2020.101759
Pre-registered, placebo-controlled study from Duke University. Dynamic vision training transferred to measurable improvements in batting practice performance.
18. Dingirdan Gultekinler B, Uzlasir S, Isikdemir E, Bayrakcl Tunay V, Wikstrom EA (2025). The effects of stroboscopic vision training on physical performance in athletes: a systematic review. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 18(1), 78.
DOI: 10.1186/s13102-025-01459-x · PubMed: 41419922
Systematic review of 14 studies with 542 athletes found significant improvements in reaction time, agility, and hand-eye coordination from stroboscopic training.
Equipment
Senaptec Sensory Station
Computerised assessment system measuring 10 visual-motor skills: visual clarity, contrast sensitivity, depth perception, near-far quickness, perception span, multiple object tracking, reaction time, target capture, eye-hand coordination, and go/no-go decision making.
Senaptec Strobe Glasses
Liquid crystal eyewear that alternates between clear and opaque at adjustable frequencies, training the visual system to process information faster with reduced input. Used by professional athletes across NBA, NFL, MLB, and Olympic programs.
Equipment available at: rawedge.au
Assessment bookings: rawedge.au/booking
Further reading: Senaptec Research & Science — Senaptec’s full research library (20+ peer-reviewed studies)
About This Page
All citations on this page have been independently verified against their original publications (PubMed, journal websites, DOI resolution). No citation has been included without confirming the study exists, the authors are correct, and the findings are accurately represented.
This page is maintained by Aaron Williams, AHPRA-registered psychologist (PSY0002297677).
Last verified: February 2026