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EEG Analysis of Brain Activity Before, During and After Pickleball Exercise

EFFECTS ON NEURAL EFFICIENCY AND SYNCHRONIZATION  

By Dr. David L. Priede, MIS, PhD.

Director of Advanced Health Technologies and Research.

Abstract


This study investigated the effects of pickleball exercise on brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG). We examined changes in brainwave frequencies, neural efficiency (Serenity), and brain synchronization (Synergy) across different stages of an exercise protocol. The participant underwent EEG recordings before, during, and after pickleball exercise, with measurements taken in both open and closed-eye states. Results showed significant increases in neural efficiency throughout the protocol, peaking after exercise completion. Brain synchronization maintained a consistent moderate level during exercise. Closed-eye states promoted higher efficiency and synchronization compared to open-eye states. These findings not only suggest that pickleball exercise, combined with strategic closed-eye periods, may optimize cognitive function and brain performance, but also offer hope for innovative interventions in cognitive health.


Introduction


While the cognitive benefits of physical exercise are well-established, the specific neural mechanisms underlying these effects are still a subject of ongoing research. This study fills this gap by investigating the immediate effects of pickleball, a popular racquet sport, on brain activity. By leveraging EEG technology, we can track real-time changes in neural patterns, providing unique insights into how this exercise influences cognitive function.


This study aimed to investigate the effects of pickleball exercise on brain activity using EEG analysis. We focused on two key aspects of brain function:

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  1. Neural efficiency (Serenity): A measure of how effectively the brain is operating. Higher values suggest more optimal brain function

  2. Brain synchronization (Synergy): A reflection of the coordination between different brain regions. Higher values indicate better integration of brain activity


Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of specific brainwave frequencies (Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma) throughout the exercise protocol. By examining these parameters before, during, and after exercise, as well as in open and closed-eye states, we aimed to provide a complete understanding of how pickleball exercise influences brain dynamics.


Brain Waves Measured


1. Delta waves (0.5 - 4 Hz):

  • The slowest brain waves

  • Typically associated with deep, dreamless sleep and unconscious bodily functions

  • In waking states, can be associated with deep meditation or healing processes

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2. Theta waves (4 - 8 Hz):

  • Often present during light sleep or deep relaxation

  • Associated with creativity, intuition, and memory recall

  • Can be prominent during meditative states or drowsiness


3. Alpha waves (8 - 13 Hz):

  • Present during relaxed wakefulness, especially with closed eyes

  • Associated with calm, relaxed, and meditative states

  • Can indicate a state of relaxed alertness, good for learning and mind-body coordination


4. Beta 1 waves (13 - 20 Hz):

  • Associated with normal waking consciousness and active thinking

  • Indicates alertness, focus, and engaged mental activity

  • Often dominant when we're actively solving problems or making decisions


5. Beta 2 waves (20 - 30 Hz):

  • Higher frequency beta waves

  • Associated with intense focused mental activity and complex thought

  • Can be present during states of anxiety or excitement.

 

6. Gamma waves (30+ Hz):

  • The fastest brain waves

  • Associated with higher cognitive functions, including perception, problem-solving, and consciousness

 

Methods
 

Participants
 

The study involved a healthy 60-year-old male adult participant engaged in a pickleball exercise routine protocol.

 

Equipment


•    EEG Device: Clinical Grade Muse E002-0317
•    Software: Optibrain Ver 3.13


Procedure


EEG readings were taken before, during, and after the pickleball exercise routine, with measurements in both open and closed-eye states. The protocol lasted approximately 135 minutes, with 30-second measurements at each stage.


Data Collection


EEG data was collected from multiple electrode positions: AF7, AF8, TP10, and TP9. Measurements included various brainwave frequencies (Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, Gamma) and derived metrics of Synergy (brain synchronization) and Serenity (neural efficiency).

EEG Sensors

Analysis


We compared brain wave activity across different exercise stages and between open and closed-eye states. We also analyzed changes in Synergy and Serenity percentages throughout the protocol.


Results

Figure 1: Before and after exercise, the overall brain state shows a greater balance in efficiency and consistent synchronization levels, indicating a balance of inter-regional coordination that may be optimal for physical activity.

Brain Wave Activity Across Exercise Stages

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Table 1 presents the average brainwave activity (in μV) across different stages of the exercise protocol.

Screenshot 2024-07-29 120352_edited.jpg

Table 1: Brain Wave Activity Comparison Across Exercise Stages. Note: Values are averages across all electrode positions (AF7, AF8, TP10, and TP9) for the "Motion" state, measured in microvolts (μV).

Neural Efficiency (Serenity) and Brain Synchronization (Synergy)


Table 2 shows the changes in Serenity and Synergy percentages throughout the exercise protocol.

Table 2: Serenity and Synergy Percentages Throughout the Exercise Protocol

Eye State Effects


Table 3 compares brain wave activity between open and closed eye states before and during exercise.

 

Table 3: Open vs. Closed Eyes Brain Wave Activity Comparison. Note: Values for brain waves are in μV. Synergy and Serenity are presented as percentages​

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Discussion

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The results of this study provide several insights into the effects of pickleball exercise on brain activity:

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  1. Exercise Impact: Pickleball exercise appears to have a cumulative positive effect on neural efficiency (Serenity), with the best results achieved post-exercise. This suggests potential cognitive benefits extending beyond the duration of the activity.

  2. Brain Synchronization: The exercise maintained a consistent, moderate level of brain synchronization (Synergy). This could indicate an optimal balance for physical activity, keeping different brain regions working together effectively.

  3. Eye State Influence: Closed-eye states generally promoted both efficiency and synchronization, with a more pronounced effect on efficiency. This suggests that incorporating periods of closed-eye rest or meditation, particularly before and after exercise, could amplify cognitive benefits.

  4. Brainwave Changes: The decrease in slower wave activities (Delta and Theta) during exercise, coupled with the stability of Alpha waves and slight increases in faster frequencies (Beta and Gamma), indicates a brain state characterized by increased alertness and cognitive engagement while maintaining relaxation.

  5. Optimal States: Peak brain efficiency was achieved post-exercise with closed eyes, suggesting an ideal state for tasks requiring high cognitive performance. The highest brain synchronization occurred initially with closed eyes before exercise, indicating potential benefits of pre-exercise meditation.

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These findings have significant implications for optimizing cognitive performance through combined exercise and meditation practices. A protocol alternating between pickleball exercises and strategic closed-eye periods could enhance overall brain function.

 

Limitations and Future Directions

 

This study was limited to a single participant, and future research should involve a larger sample size to validate these findings. Additionally, investigating the long-term effects of regular pickleball exercise on cognitive function could provide valuable insights into its potential as a cognitive enhancement strategy.

 

Conclusion

 

This EEG study demonstrates that pickleball exercise significantly affects brain activity, enhancing neural efficiency and maintaining brain synchronization. The study found that exercise enhances neural efficiency, which peaks post-exercise, suggesting that cognitive benefits extend beyond the duration of the exercise itself. The findings suggest that combining exercise with strategic use of closed-eye periods could effectively optimize brain function and cognitive performance. Further research in this area could lead to the development of targeted interventions for cognitive enhancement and mental well-being.

 

Sources

 

  1. Chang, Y. K., Labban, J. D., Gapin, J. I., & Etnier, J. L. (2012). The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance: A meta-analysis. Brain Research, 1453, 87-101.

  2. Ludyga, S., Gerber, M., Pühse, U., Looser, V. N., & Kamijo, K. (2020). Systematic review and meta-analysis investigating moderators of exercise's long-term effects on healthy individuals' cognition. Nature Human Behaviour, 4(6), 603-612.

  3. Mandolesi, L., Polverino, A., Montuori, S., Foti, F., Ferraioli, G., Sorrentino, P., & Sorrentino, G. (2018). Effects of physical exercise on cognitive functioning and wellbeing: Biological and psychological benefits. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 509.

  4. Priede, D. L. (2024). EEG Analysis of Brain Activity During Pickleball Exercise: Effects on Neural Efficiency and Synchronization. Biolife Health Research Center, Technical Report 2024-07.

  5. Rathee, S., Bhatia, D., & Punia, V. (2020). Peak Alpha Frequency in Relation to Cognitive Performance. Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, 11(3), 416-419.

  6. Toni, G., Belvederi Murri, M., Piepoli, M., Zanetidou, S., Cabassi, A., Squatrito, S., ... & Ferrari, R. (2021). Physical Exercise for Late-Life Depression: Effects on Heart Rate Variability. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 29(8), 844-855.

  7. Zilidou, V. I., Frantzidis, C. A., Romanopoulou, E. D., Paraskevopoulos, E., Douka, S., & Bamidis, P. D. (2018). Functional re-organization of cortical networks of senior citizens after a 24-week traditional dance program. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 10, 422.

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Contains analysis of raw data in detail.

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