Abstract
Objective: Psychomotor imagery has been widely used to improve motor performance and motor learning. Recent research suggests that during visualization, changes occur in neurophysiological networks that make physical practice more effective in configuring functional networks for skillful behaviors. The aim of our pilot study was to determine if there was change and to what extent there was differentiation in modulation in electroencephalography (EEG) frequencies between visualizing a state of rest and a state of exercise performance and to identify the preponderant frequency. Design: Quasi-experimental design uncontrolled before and after study. Methods: EEG brain wave activity was recorded from 0-40 Hz from nine cerebral cortical scalp regions F3, Fz, F4, C3, Cz, C4, P3, POz, and P4 with a wireless telemetric EEG system. The subjects, while sitting on a chair with eyes closed, were asked to visualize themselves in a state of routine rest/relaxation and after a period of time in a state of their routine exercise performance. Results: The gamma frequency, 31-40 Hz, (${\gamma}$) was the predominant wave band in differentiation between visualizing a state of rest versus visualizing a state of exercise performance. Conclusions: We suggest these preliminarily findings show the EEG electrocortical activity for athletes is differentially modulated during visualization of exercise performance in comparison to rest with a predominant ${\gamma}$ wave band frequency observed during the state of exercise. Further controlled experimental studies will be performed to elaborate these observations and delineate the significance to optimization of psychomotor exercise performance.