Mental Imagery and the Prefrontal Cortex in Sport: A Review

Abstract

This article examines the neural processes that support mental imagery in sports performers in high-pressure competition contexts, emphasizing the differential functions of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Low self-esteem performers tend to use affectively loaded fantasies of winning that hyperactivate the OFC, reinforcing imagination over goal-oriented action. This loop derails dopamine signaling, inhibits the DLPFC, and results in mental blankness on actual competition. In contrast, high self-esteem athletes activate the DLPFC to build process oriented, adaptive visualizations that improve planning, concentration, and modulation of emotional reactions. Facilitating areas of the prefrontal cortex such as the ventrolateral PFC (distraction suppression), medial PFC (purpose integration), ventromedial PFC (value-based choice), and anterior cingulate cortex (error monitoring) aid in sustaining top-level performance when integrated under a strong DLPFC. In addition, successful DLPFC guided imagery facilitates the safe induction of transient hypo frontality, the flow state required for optimal performance. This model posits that the mental imagery quality action oriented and structured versus affective and diffuse dictates whether performers excel or fall apart under pressure.