Delta and alpha rhythms are modulated by the physical movement knowledge in acrobatic gymnastics: an EEG study in visual context

Background The evaluation of electrocortical activity (EEG) during visual stimuli may reveal differences depending on experience level. Methods Fourteen volunteers, seven belonging to the expert group (high experience in the field of the acrobatic gymnastics) and seven to the control one, took part in the study. Ten videos recorded during the execution of specific physical movements of acrobatic gymnastics have been included in the execution task. Power spectrum as indicator of the electrocortical activity was used. Results Expert group showed lower power spectra levels in delta (MD = − 2.23) and higher power spectra levels in slow alpha (MD = 2.17) bands, compared to control group during the vision of the videos with errors; during the vision of the videos without errors, expert group showed lower power spectra levels in delta (MD = − 1.04) and higher power spectra levels in slow alpha (MD = 1.88) bands compared to control group. Generally, occipital, frontal and central areas showed differences between groups in regard to power spectra levels. Conclusions These findings confirm the relationship between EEG activity and vision of specific physical movements and extend knowledge on the electrocortical response to visual stimuli emphasizing the difference between experienced and inexperienced subjects, relative to the field analyzed.