Lateral Prefrontal Cortex Activation Induced by Proficient Skills During Rhythm Action Game

Abstract

The activity of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during rhythm action game was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy. Participants were classified into two groups (Skilled and Novice) based on their skill in the game, and three levels of difficulty of the game (easy, medium, and difficult) were imposed on the participants as experimental tasks. Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin in the PFC were measured using near-infrared spectroscopy, and the effect of playing the game on the activation/deactivation of the PFC was examined. Activation in the lateral PFC was observed in the Skilled group when participants played on the medium and difficult levels, whereas it was not observed in the Novice group when participants played on any level. Deactivation of the medial PFC was also observed in both groups. The observed activity of some regions of the PFC suggests differences in cerebral processes as a function of the rhythm action game.