EEG differences in competitive female gymnastics, soccer, and esports athletes between resting states with eyes closed and open

Abstract

Athletes heavily rely on visual perception for performance. This study delves into electroencephalographic (EEG) brain activity among gymnastics, soccer, and esports athletes during resting states with eyes closed (REC) and open (REO) and compares differences in EEG alpha power from REC to REO (∆ EC-EO Alpha) across athlete groups. Forty-two female participants, including 14 from each athletic discipline, underwent two 5-minute EEG recordings, first during REC and then during REO conditions. Absolute EEG power was analyzed for delta (δ), theta (θ), alpha (α), and beta (β) frequency bands across various brain regions, and ∆ EC-EO Alpha values were computed. During REC, soccer players exhibited heightened α power at the midline frontopolar (Fpz) and β power at the midline occipital (Oz). Conversely, during REO, soccer players displayed increased δ power at Fpz and midline frontal (Fz) and reduced α power at the midline central (Cz) compared to gymnasts, along with elevated θ power at Fpz. Esports athletes demonstrated higher δ power and decreased α power at Fpz and Cz compared to gymnasts. Gymnasts exhibited distinct cortical activation patterns characterized by lower ∆ EC-EO Alpha at multiple electrode sites. These findings highlight sport-specific cortical activation patterns linked to visual attention among athletes. Understanding these neural adaptations could refine training methods and enhance performance outcomes in sports.