THE EFFECT OF ACUTE AEROBIC ACTIVITY ON CORTEX ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY IN ADOLESCENT BOYS
Oral Presentation
Paper ID : 1967-SSRC
Authors
1دانشجو
2استادیار گروه رفتار حرکتی دانشکدۀ تربیت بدنی و علوم ورزشی دانشگاه مازندران
3دانشیار گروه رفتار حرکتی دانشکده تربیت بدنی و علوم ورزشی دانشگاه علامه طباطبایی
Abstract
Research has shown that engaging in physical activity can have a positive effect on cognitive activity. Specifically, intense physical activity for approximately 20 minutes has been found to enhance some cognitive functions. This demonstrates the general facilitative effect of acute physical activity on cognitive performance. However, perception operates differently. Any cognitive activity that occurs at an appropriate frequency generates an electrical potential in a specific area of the brain. Optimal cognitive performance seems to occur at a specific frequency of electrical brain activity. The aim of this study is to investigate the pattern of electrical activity in the cerebral cortex of adolescent boys after 20 minutes of aerobic running in a place similar to the school grounds.
The current research was semi-experimental and with a cross-control design with an experimental group. The statistical population of this research was non-athletic male teenagers of Babolsar city. A 32-channel active device of Liv-LIVfanavari Hooshmand company was used to record EEG. Aerobic activity was carried out at an intensity of 65-75% of the reserve heart rate (HHR). The sports protocol consisted of three phases: warm-up phase for five minutes, exercise phase for 20 minutes, and cool-down phase for 5 minutes. EEGLAB and SPSS software and Wilcoxon's non-parametric test were used to analyze the data with an error level of α=0.05.
The study found that the alpha frequency band decreased in the FZ channel, while the theta-to-alpha ratio increased in the same channel. There was no change observed in the theta and beta waves or the theta-to-beta ratio in both modes - with and without activity. The decrease in alpha waves and increase in excitability in the motor cortex can help in learning a motor skill. Hence, acute aerobic activity may boost learning. The observed changes are physiological changes around the neurons and not a measure of the effectiveness of the electrical activity of the brain. To understand the effect of physical activity on the electrical activity of the brain, tools such as fMRI and FNIRS can be helpful.
The current research was semi-experimental and with a cross-control design with an experimental group. The statistical population of this research was non-athletic male teenagers of Babolsar city. A 32-channel active device of Liv-LIVfanavari Hooshmand company was used to record EEG. Aerobic activity was carried out at an intensity of 65-75% of the reserve heart rate (HHR). The sports protocol consisted of three phases: warm-up phase for five minutes, exercise phase for 20 minutes, and cool-down phase for 5 minutes. EEGLAB and SPSS software and Wilcoxon's non-parametric test were used to analyze the data with an error level of α=0.05.
The study found that the alpha frequency band decreased in the FZ channel, while the theta-to-alpha ratio increased in the same channel. There was no change observed in the theta and beta waves or the theta-to-beta ratio in both modes - with and without activity. The decrease in alpha waves and increase in excitability in the motor cortex can help in learning a motor skill. Hence, acute aerobic activity may boost learning. The observed changes are physiological changes around the neurons and not a measure of the effectiveness of the electrical activity of the brain. To understand the effect of physical activity on the electrical activity of the brain, tools such as fMRI and FNIRS can be helpful.
Keywords