Studies investigating the psychophysiology of expert sport performance are accumulating [1]. However, the cortical activity preceding motor execution under conditions of intense physical exercise such as in biathlon, combining rifle shooting and cross-country skiing, has been only scarcely studied until now. The aim of the present pilot study was to assess the feasibility of processing EEG data recorded in conditions of high physical load. Two expert biathletes completed 60 shots at a distance of 50 m under (i) a resting condition and (ii) following intense physical exercise (3 min on a cycle ergometer at 90% of maximum HR). EEG power spectrum and spectral coherence were computed in the last second preceding each shot in the individually adjusted frequency bands theta, lower alpha 1, lower alpha 2 and upper alpha. The 10 best and 10 worst trials were clustered on the basis of shooting accuracy. Repeated-measure ANOVAs, conducted at the single-subject level, revealed effects of performance outcome and physical exercise. Compared to the worst shots, the best shots were preceded by a lower upper alpha power in frontal and temporal areas; a marginally higher theta power in the frontal midline; and a lower temporal-frontal coherence in the lower alpha 1 band (marginal in the upper alpha band). Furthermore, the power spectrum was significantly higher under resting condition compared to exercise condition, in the frontal and temporal areas in all considered frequency bands. These findings are consistent with previous studies [2],[3] and additionally suggest a modulatory effect of physical exercise on the spectral power of cortical activity preceding expert sport performance. This pilot test will be followed by a full study, employing a multi-measure design (EEG, ECG, EMG) with the aim of clarifying the effects of physical exercise and the functional meaning of the EEG spectral correlates of expert sport performance.
References:
[1] Cooke, A. (2013). Readying the head and steadying the heart: a review of cortical and cardiac studies of preparation for action in sport. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 6(1), 122-138. [2] Deeny, S. P., Haufler, A. J., Saffer, M., & Hatfield, B. D. (2009). Electroencephalographic coherence during visuomotor performance: a comparison of cortico-cortical communication in experts and novices. Journal of Motor Behavior, 41(2), 106-116. [3] Doppelmayr, M., Finkenzeller, T., & Sauseng, P. (2008). Frontal midline theta in the pre-shot phase of rifle shooting: Differences between experts and novices. Neuropsychologia, 46(5), 1463-1467.