Action video game players require greater EEG coupling between prefrontal cortices to adequately perform a dual task

Abstract

Action video games require the ability to perform multiple complex activities concurrently, while dual-tasking has been associated with functional changes in sub-regions of the prefrontal cortex, such as the frontopolar (FPPC) and dorsolateral (DLPC) cortices. However, the degree of electroencephalographic synchronization or correlation (rEEG) between these areas has not yet been examined. Thus, the aim of the present study was to characterize rEEG of action video game players (AVGPs) and compare it to inexperienced video game players (NVGPs) during performance of a dual working memory task. rEEG were recorded in AVGPs and NVGPs while performing three distinct working memory tasks: (1) Corsi block-tapping task (CBTT); (2) N-back task; and (3) dual task, which involved performing both CBTT and N-back tasks simultaneously. AVGPs achieved a higher number of correct trials and greater memory span during the dual task than NVGPs, as well as an increased intrahemispheric FPPC-DLPC rEEG, left (Fp1-F3) and right (Fp2-F4), in the beta1, beta2 and gamma bands, and an increased interhemispheric rEEG FPPC (Fp1-Fp2) in all EEG bands. Our results suggest that AVGPs had higher working memory skills as the level of task complex increased, and that they required higher FPPC-DLPC coupling to adequately perform the dual task.