Monitoring of the functional activity of the brain of swimmers in the EEG alpha-rhythm

Abstract

Methods of computer electroencephalography (EEG) make it possible to evaluate the dynamics of the functional state and the process of functional activation of the different zones of cerebral cortex in case of when performing mental tasks. Adaptive reactions in swimmers, which are repeated more often than others, are accompanied by savings and strengthening of synapses of these nerve groups, who provide them. The purpose of the research. Impact of systematic swimming in young people, on the electrical activity cerebral cortex in the alpha range of the EEG during the functional state, rhythmic photostimulation and mental activity. Methods of the research. 20 healthy right-handed 17–21-year-old young men p articipated in the study, divided into two groups: a group of swimmers (10 people) – young men who have been systematically swimming since elementary school age, and a control group (10 people) – young men who do not exercise regularly. The electrical activity of the cerebral cortex was determined using the spectral analysis method. In the frequency spectrum of the EEG, the alpha range was studied. During EEG recording, active electrodes were placed according to the international 10/20 system. Results. During the spectral analysis, a higher level of intensity of the alpha rhythm in the cerebral cortex was established in the group of swimmers compared to the studied control group in all test situations. Conclusions. During the performance of mental activity, a more dynamic nature of spectral power changes was registered across the entire "scalp" between the studied groups, while during the performance of the "Attention" test, higher rates of reliable changes were established, especially in the left hemisphere, compared to the performance of the "Thinking" test.