Bioelectrical activity of the brain in athletes under cognitive and physical load

Aim. The paper aims to identify the bioelectrical activity of the brain in athletes of various sports under cognitive and physical load. Materials and methods. 30 males aged 18-20 years were examined and divided into three groups (control, track and field, weightlifters). EEG data were collected with the Neuron-Spectrum 4/P system (Neurosoft, Russia). The average power was found for alpha, beta (high and low frequency), theta (high and low frequency) and delta (high and low frequency) activity. At the first stage, EEG was recorded at rest with eyes closed. At the second stage, EEG was recorded during the Iowa test. Then, the PWC170 test was performed. At the third stage, immediately after physical activity, EEG was obtained during the repeated test. Results. In athletes of various sports, response to cognitive and physical activity in many respects quantitatively and qualitatively differs from untrained volunteers. Under cognitive load track and field athletes showed a greater increase in delta (and in weightlifters - in theta) activity than in the control group. In contrast to the control group, physical activity in athletes often contributed to a decrease in EEG power, especially in the beta and delta ranges. Conclusion. The results obtained allow us to identify certain EEG patterns among athletes of various sports under cognitive and physical load. Changes in the bioelectrical activity of the brain during the transition from rest to cognitive activity before and after exercise reflect the functional state of the cortical and subcortical structures, which are directly related to optimal activity in the created conditions.