Brain Oscillations in Sport: Toward EEG Biomarkers of Performance

Abstract

Brain dynamics is at the basis of top performance accomplishment in sports. The search for neural biomarkers of performance remains a challenge in movement science and sport psychology. The non-invasive nature of high-density electroencephalography (EEG) recording has made it a most promising avenue for providing quantitative feedback to practitioners and coaches. Here, we review the current relevance of the main types of EEG oscillations in order to trace a perspective for future practical applications of EEG and event-related potentials (ERP) in sport. In this context, the hypotheses of unified brain rhythms and continuity between wake and sleep states should provide a functional template for EEG biomarkers in sport. The oscillations in the thalamo-cortical and hippocampal circuitry including the physiology of the place cells and the grid cells provide a frame of reference for the analysis of delta, theta, beta, alpha (incl.mu), and gamma oscillations recorded in the space field of human performance. Based on recent neuronal models facilitating the distinction between the different dynamic regimes (selective gating and binding) in these different oscillations we suggest an integrated approach articulating together the classical biomechanical factors (3D movements and EMG) and the high-density EEG and ERP signals to allow finer mathematical analysis to optimize sport performance, such as microstates, coherency/directionality analysis and neural generators.

Performance Optimization in Sport: A Psychophysiological Approach

“…Theta oscillation, for instance, plays an important function in motor control. It was also demonstrated that the theta power increase in the controlateral motor area during the onset of fast ballistic movements 30 . Moreover, theta oscillation was related with the onset of the movement and the theta power correlated with movement acceleration 30 .…”

“…It was also demonstrated that the theta power increase in the controlateral motor area during the onset of fast ballistic movements 30 . Moreover, theta oscillation was related with the onset of the movement and the theta power correlated with movement acceleration 30 . Other studies showed an association between different stages of exercising and modulations of the alpha rhythm.…”

“…More recently, Cheron and colleagues have described in depth the meaning of the oscillatory brain rhythms hypothesizing some specific EEG biomarkers 30 . Theta oscillation, for instance, plays an important function in motor control.…”

“…Beta oscillation (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30),on the other hand, has a central position in the treatment of sensorimotor information and serves as a functional link between different brain regions such as the pre-motor, motor (M1), and somatosensory (S1) cortex, the supplementary motor area, and the cerebellum 31 . Beta oscillation could play the role of a motor "binding" linking the different commands related to a global gesture as suggested for sensory awareness 30 . Current advances in EEG signal processing and modifications of the hardware led to EEG recordings while individuals behave naturally, like walking outdoors.…”

Wearable Training-Monitoring Technology: Applications, Challenges, and Opportunities

“…As for humoral parameters, technology in this domain is developing very quickly, and we have examples of EEG measurements during static sporting activities like shooting. 31 Considering the potential for EEG to provide more information about the implications of training activities on the brain, 32 it is hoped that better wearable devices and more accurate signal filtering approaches will be developed to be able to quantify neuromuscular load in different sports.…”