Influence of aging and perception tasks on EEG during step-up/down movement exercise

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine whether the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals during step-up/down movement exercise could be amplified by aging and visual perception tasks (VPT).METHODS: Ten males in 20s, 10 males in 40s, and 10 males in 70s carried out step-up/down movement exercise for 5 min with and without VPT. EEG during step-up/down movement exercise was measured using a wireless electroencephalograph (EMOTIV EEG headset). We analyzed the averaged power spectral density (PSD) for all electrodes with time frequency analysis, and a phase locking index (PLI) with phase synchronization quantification. Statistical comparisons were made using two-way ANOVA.RESULTS: PSD magnitude in three waves (theta, alpha, beta) for 40s and 70s were higher than 20s (P<0.05). Moreover, PSD magnitude increased with VPT in alpha and beta waves (P<0.05). PLI of theta wave in the 20s and 70s increased with VPT (P<0.05). PLI of alpha wave for 70s was higher than 20s and 40s (P<0.05). In PLI of the beta wave, 70s without VPT was higher than 20s and 40s without VPT (P<0.05). 40s with VPT was lower than 20s and 70s with VPT (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: EEG signals during step-up/down movement exercise increased with aging and was enhanced by VPT. Additionally, the phase pattern may help explain the differences in cognitive functions for VPT between age groups.