Dynamics of Mental Performance under the Influence of Physical Activity

Full Text

Introduction. All over the world, scientists note a gradual decline in mental performance. Some attribute this to a sedentary lifestyle, with the deterioration of the environment and nutrition.

 

Purpose of the work. Identification of the influence of physical activity on the dynamics of mental performance.

 

Materials and methods of research. Bourdon proof-reading test, EEG.

 

Research results. The famous French psychologist Benjamin Bourdon developed a unique test, called the proof-reading test, to analyze the cognitive abilities of an individual. This method of pathopsychological diagnosis allows not only to assess the level of mental fatigue, but also to measure the ability to maintain prolonged attention and the depth of concentration.

The Bourdon test is characterized by an array of randomly arranged symbols, including Landolt rings, numbers, pictograms, and letters, arranged in rows. The task of the experiment participant is to selectively exclude certain characters from each line, according to the task presented in the instructions. The testing process is initiated atthe experimenter's command and timed with a duration varying from three to ten minutes, depending on the goal set for the participant. An important aspect in evaluating the test results is the level of literary literacy of the patient and the quality of his visual perception. [1]

Later, experts from the fields of psychology and medicine began to modify the Bourdon test for a variety of applications similar to ours. This approach to analysis is preferred for its efficiency, ease of execution, and minimal resource consumption.

The results were monitored according to these criteria: an indicator of attention concentration (K), an indicator of attention switching (C), and an indicator of attention stability (A). [2]

 

Where:

 

K = / N
S – the number of rows of the table viewed by the subject,
N – the number of errors

C = (  / S) * 100, where
 is the number of wrongly worked out rows,
S is the number of rows in the part of the table worked out by the subject

 

A = S / t
A is the execution rate for every 60 seconds,
S is the number of letters in the scanned part of the proof table,
and t is the sample execution time

 

 

Explanation of the results:

 

Attention resilience indicator A:

Value	Result
0-2	Very High
3-4	High
5-6	Medium
7-8	Low
9-10	Very low

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indicator of switching attention From:

Value, %	Result
0-20	Very high
21-40	High
41-60	Medium
61-80	Low
81-100	Very low

 

Indicator of concentration of attention to:

The larger the resulting number, the higher the concentration.

 

This indicator has no set numerical values, as it depends on the specific stimulus material. [3]

 

Electroencephalography is a technique used to record bioelectric processes occurring in the cerebral cortex, which makes it possible to assess its functioning. This approach is particularly valuable when studying changes in brain function in response to physical activity, as EEG provides reliable data on the state of neuronal activity, which makes it an excellent tool for analyzing the impact of various loads on mental abilities:

1. The objectivity of electroencephalography (EEG) measurements consists in accurately recording real electrical brain activity, as opposed to less objective methods such as questionnaires based on subjective perception.
2. The response to fluctuations in cognitive functions is reflected in the spectrum of EEG rhythms, including alpha, beta, theta, and delta, which correlate with the degree of wakefulness, level of attention, ability to concentrate, signs of fatigue, and volume of cognitive tasks.
3. A non-invasive and safe method does not cause damage, allowing it to be applied repeatedly.
4. Dynamic assessment allows you to record changes in brain function before, during, and after training sessions.
5. The study of the relationship between exercise and cognitive function through an electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis reveals the impact of exercise on mental performance.

 

Interpretation of EEG results:

1. Alpha rhythm (8-12 Hz)
   
   • It refers to a state of calm wakefulness and concentration.
   • An increase in the amplitude during the recovery period after exercise may indicate an increase in the ability of muscles to relax and increase concentration abilities.
   • An increase in the amplitude of alpha waves indicates a decrease in stress states and an improvement in the ability to resist cognitive loads.
2. Beta rhythm (13-30 Hz)
   
   • Responsible for intensive brain functioning, cognitive function, concentration, and data analysis.
   • An increase in the amplitude of beta rhythms in the EEG after sports activities indicates an increase in cognitive abilities, reaction speed, and increased mental efficiency.
3. Thetarhythm (4-7 Hz)
   
   • It is involved in memory mechanisms, learning processes, and concentration of attention.
   • A mild increase in thetawaves may indicate more effective structuring of cognitive functions and improved memory mechanisms.
   • Excessive magnification can signal overwork.
4. Delta rhythm (0.5-3 Hz)
   
   • It dominates the sleep process and deep rest states.
   • A decrease in the amplitude of delta waves in the waking state indicates increased cognitive function and reduced fatigue.
5. Coherence refers to the synchronous activity of different parts of the brain.
   
   • An increase in the level of coherence in the frontal lobes indicates an increase in the effectiveness of interaction between different parts of the brain, favorably affecting cognitive abilities. [4]

Effects of physical activity on the respiratory system

In the process of performing physical exercises, the body's oxygen demand increases, activating the functions of the respiratory system. This leads to an increase in the respiratory rate and an expansion of the volume of ventilation of the lungs. Such changes contribute to the effective enrichment of blood with oxygen and optimization of metabolic processes in the body, including in the brain structures. As a result, increased oxygen supply to brain neurons has a beneficial effect on mental abilities, improving memory and concentration. Regular exercise effectively hardens the respiratory system, increasing the functional capacity of the lungs and minimizing the risk of developing brain hypoxia, which negatively affects cognitive abilities. [5]

Influence of physical exertion on the musculoskeletal system

Regular exercise strengthens the body's support and movement system by covering muscle tissue, the joints between bones, and the bones themselves. Increasing the strength of the muscular system, especially in the back and neck, plays a key role in maintaining perfect posture, preventing stagnation in the blood flow and stimulating an efficient blood supply to the brain. Students who actively participate in physical exercises are less prone to headaches and discomfort due to prolonged sitting, which helps to maintain high performance over a longer period of time. In addition, optimizing blood circulation and improving the functional state of the musculoskeletal system as a whole leads to a reduction in physical fatigue and an increase in the ability to resist intellectual loads. [6]

Effects of exercise on the cerebral cortex

The cerebral cortex, which encompasses many functional areas according to Brodman's mapping, is central to regulating cognitive function, emotional stability, and motor skills. Regular physical activity helps optimize the blood supply to the cortex, stimulating its various areas. In particular, the primary impact is on the motor zones (Brodman fields 4 and 6), which are responsible for planning, coordinating and performing movements. This activates the close relationship between the motor cortex and sensory as well as associative areas of the brain, improving concentration, speed of information processing, and adaptability to stress factors.

The importance of regular exercise is not only limited to improving physical health, but also affects cognitive functions associated with the prefrontal cortex, including areas 9 and 10. These regions play a key role in performing higher mental functions, such as planning future actions, making decisions, and regulating emotions. Providing these areas with adequate blood supply and stimulating their neuroplasticity through exercise can help improve memory function, reduce stress, and increase the ability to effectively solve problems. No less significant is the impact on areas 39 and 40 located in the lower parietal bone region, which are responsible for associative processes and processing complex information, which leads to an improvement in analytical skills and speed of perception.  [7]

 

Interaction of different centers of the cerebral cortex

Regular exercise helps to strengthen the neural connections between different parts of the cerebral cortex, increasing their joint work. This includes connections between motor and sensory areas with the prefrontal cortex, improving the integration of cognitive and physical processes. This improved neural coordination makes it easier for students to process information, make it easier to move from one task to another, and promote long-term attention span.

Students from four groups of Voronezh State Medical University named after N. N. Burdenko participated in our study.  We studied two groups with first-and second-year students of the Faculty of Medicine who regularly attended physical education classes, and two more similar courses of the Faculty of Medicine, but where students did not have systematic physical activity for a week.

The initial assessment revealed average results in all parameters in groups with limited physical activity and increased results in groups with intense physical activity, after which a week-long monitoring of these groups was started.

 

Research results:

Meaning	Group with marked physical activity, 1-2 course	Group with undistinguished physical activity, 1-2 course
A	4	6
C	36%	53%
K	98	39

 

During the eight-week period, groups that initially showed low levels of physical activity followed the FP program. Meanwhile, the pre-active group maintained their usual training regimen.

Meaning	Group with stable physical activity, 1-2 course	Group with increased physical activity, 1-2 course
A	2	3
C	22%	27%
K	98	65

 

Based on the revealed data, we can say that there is a steady growth trend in all three indicators, and therefore, an improvement in the mental performance of students in all four groups.

The following tables show sample EEG results at the beginning and end of the study:

 

Before training sessions (Initial data)

No.	member of	alpha rhythm (8-12 Hz) µv	Beta rhythm (13-30 Hz) µv	Thetarhythm (4-7 Hz) µv	Delta rhythm (0.5–3 Hz), UV	Index α-rhythm, %	Coherence (frontal lobe), %
1	Student 1	26	14	5	2	50	32
2	Student 2	28	15	5	2	52	34
3	Student 3	27	16	5	3	51	33
4	Student 4	29	17	6	2	53	35
5	Student 5	30	18	6	3	54	36
6	Student 6	25	14	5	1	49	32
7	Student 7	28	16	6	2	51	33
8	Student 8	31	19	7	3	55	37
9	Student 9	30	18	6	2	53	36
10	Student 10	27	15	5	2	50	33
11	Student 11	28	17	6	2	51	34
12	Student 12	29	18	6	3	52	35
13	Student 13	26	14	5	1	49	32
14	Student 14	31	19	7	3	55	37
15	Student 15	27	16	6	2	50	33
16	Student 16	28	17	6	2	51	34
17	Student 17	30	18	7	3	53	35
18	Student 18	26	15	6	2	49	32
19	Student 19	29	17	7	3	52	34
20	Student 20	27	16	6	2	50	33

 

After training sessions

№	Participant	Alpha rhythm (8-12 Hz), MV	Beta-rhythm (13-30 Hz), MV	Thetarhythm (4-7 Hz), MV	Delta rhythm (0.5-3 Hz), MV	Alpha-rhythm index, %	Coherence (frontal lobes), %
1	Student 1	30	17	5	2	55	36
2	Student 2	32	18	6	2	57	38
3	Student 3	31	19	6	3	56	37
4	Student 4	33	20	7	2	58	39
5	Student 5	34	21	7	3	60	40
6	Student 6	29	17	6	2	56	36
7	Student 7	32	19	7	2	57	38
8	Student 8	35	22	8	3	61	41
9	Student 9	34	21	7	3	59	40
10	Student 10	31	18	6	2	56	37
11	Student 11	32	19	7	2	57	38
12	Student 12	33	20	8	3	58	39
13	Student 13	30	17	6	2	55	36
14	Student 14	35	22	8	3	61	41
15	Student 15	31	19	7	3	56	39
16	Student 16	32	20	7	2	57	40
17	Student 17	34	21	8	3	59	41
18	Student 18	30	18	7	2	56	38
19	Student 19	33	21	8	3	58	40
20	Student 20	31	19	7	2	56	39

 

Dynamics analysis:

1. Alpha waves (in the range of 8-12 Hz) experienced an increase from 26-31 microvolts to 30-35 microvolts, indicating an increase in the level of rest and relaxation as a result of training.
2. The amplitude of beta waves (13-30 Hz) increased from 14-19 microvolts to 17-22 microvolts, which indicates an increase in cognitive functions and an improvement in the ability to concentrate.
3. Thetawaves (4-7 Hz) a slight change in the amplitude (from 5-7 MV to 5-8 MV) may indicate an increase in stress resistance and increased ability to concentrate.
4. Delta rhythm (0.5-3 Hz): remains within the normal range, with a slight decrease (from 2-3 MV to 2-3 MV), indicating a stabilization of the functional state of the brain.
5. The alpha-rhythm index increased from 50-55% to 55-61%, which indicates an improvement in attention control and relaxation processes.
6. Coherence increased from 32-37% to 36-41%, indicating improved coordination between different brain regions.

 

 

Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrate that systematic physical activity affects students ' cognitive abilities both indirectly and directly, which is detected through improvements in neurophysiological parameters recorded by electroencephalography. These transformations are caused by a number of processes, including the optimization of brain metabolism and the impact on the cerebral regions that control thought processes.

Improving blood flow and lung function is central to improving cognitive abilities, as it provides the brain with vital oxygen and nutrients. Regular exercise encourages increased blood supply, optimization of microcirculation, which leads to saturation of neurons with oxygen and glucose, which are critical for their functioning. Also, increased aeration of the lungs increases gas exchange, contributing to adequate saturation of the brain with oxygen, which is necessary for solving multi-layered intellectual tasks.

Physical activity affects the cortical structures of the brain, which is demonstrated by changes in the electroencephalogram (EEG), indicating modifications in neurophysiological activity. Constant sports exercises activate neuroplasticity, which means the brain's ability to adapt to new conditions and build new neural pathways. This is a factor in improving cognitive abilities, including increasing the level of attention, memory, and ability to concentrate.

Changes in the amplitude of alpha and beta rhythms, as well as increased coherence, may indicate increased functional synchronization between cortical regions, which contributes to a more coordinated work of neural networks. This improved synchrony reflects a higher efficiency in coordination between excitatory and inhibitory neurons. High rates of alpha rhythms and coherence indicate improved activity of the cerebral centers. This, in turn, correlates with increased control over mindfulness and cognitive processes such as perception, as well as reduced levels of cognitive fatigue.

Consequently, regular exercise produces a multi-faceted beneficial effect on human cognitive abilities, increasing them both through indirect consequences, including optimization of blood circulation and gas exchange, and through direct stimulation of brain activity, which is reflected in the improvement of electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters.

            It should be emphasized that cognitive function and overall health are closely linked not only to regular exercise, but also to proper sleep patterns, a balanced diet, and avoiding bad habits.

About the authors

Nikita Andreevich Kombarov

Voronezh State Medical University named after N. N. Burdenko

Author for correspondence.
Email: nik_kombarov@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0007-2712-685X

Student of the Faculty of Medicine

Russian Federation, 394036, Russia, Voronezh, Studencheskaya str., 10

Maximilian Robertovich Pirverdiev

Voronezh State Medical University named after N. N. Burdenko

Email: maksimpiverdiev@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0002-5371-2864

Student of the Faculty of Medicine

Russian Federation, 394036, Russia, Voronezh, Studencheskaya str., 10

References

Supplementary files

There are no supplementary files to display.