18. The occurrence of alpha activity during cyclical repetitive movement

Aim Traditionally, electroencephalographic research describes the occurrence of alpha activity on condition of a relaxed state and with closed eyes only. However, some recent studies have detected alpha activity during motor tasks such as cyclical repetitive movement. The aim of our study was to monitor the occurrence, frequency and distribution of scalp alpha activity during qi gong practice both with open and closed eyes. Methods Five volunteers were tested (three men, two women), all with more than twelve month experience with qi gong practice. We selected simple basic movements which all volunteers were familiar with. They were asked to perform the given movements for ten minutes with open eyes first, and subsequently for ten minutes with eyes closed. Simultaneously, electroencephalographic activity was recorded with the telemetric 32-channel Nicolet EEG Wireless Amplifier by Natus Neurology Inc. The recorded data of subjects performing movements was then compared with their native EEG recorded before qi gong practice. Results During native EEG testing before qi gong practice (in a relaxed resting state with closed eyes) alpha activity was registered with four subjects. In the same fours subjects, alpha activity was also recorded during qi gong practice with closed eyes, and in three subjects also during qi gong practice movements with open eyes. Only with one subject there was beta activity both in the resting and exercising mode (both with open and closed eyes). Conclusion Many studies have looked into the correlation of brain activity and alpha activity. To sum up, it can be said that there is a negative correlation between alpha activity and cerebral neocortex activity, and positive correlation between alpha activity and the deeper structures of the brain (thalamus, amygdala and insula, anterior cingulum and cerebellum). The results of this pilot study indicate that there is a subcortical steering process for acquired movement stereotypes which are accompanied with a decrease in cerebral neocortex activity and an increase in the activity of certain limbic structures. This article was written with support from the GACR 13-07776P grant project.