EEG based analysis of psychophysiological changes in attention concentration levels of national and amateur cyclists in bicycle simulator

Objective: The aim of our study is to examine the psychophysiological changes in attention and concentration levels of National and Amateur Cyclists during bicycle simulator and PEBL applications with the Emotiv EPOC wireless EEG device. Method: National Cycling Athletes (n;11) and Recreational Cyclists (n;11) a total of 22 male participants were included in our study. In our study, EEG (Emotiv EPOC) device was used to determine the psychophysiological changes in attention and concentration levels. Two PEBL and bicycle simulator tests were used as test models. In these tests, alpha, beta, theta, delta waves were recorded with the Emotiv EPOC device. Each test was evaluated separately by dividing it into three parts: the first part, the second part and the third part. Results: National and amateur cyclists behavioral tests, PEBL applications and Bicycle Simulator performances were compared and no significant difference was found between the two groups according to the statistical analysis results (p>0.05). In the EEG recordings, a significant difference was found between the groups in the Mental_Work_Load (theta/alpha) parameter in the first, second and total time sections of the I. PEBL "pattern" application (p<0.05). In the next PEBL "rotation" application, a significant difference was determined in the attention (low alpha) parameter (p<0.05). In the Cycling Simulator, a significant difference was detected in the third part of the Mental_Work_Load (theta/alpha) parameter (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the research, it was seen that especially the Mental_Work_Load levels are more economical and efficient in national athletes than amateur athletes. According to the results of the research, it can be concluded that doing sports for many years and continuously affects the level of attention and concentration positively.