The Effect of Physical Activity with Different Levels of Cognitive Load on the Cingulate Cortex's Brain Waves

Physical and cognitive activities have positive effects on cognitive functions, but have been rarely applied in combination with each other. Therefore, the aim of present study was to investigate the effect of physical activity with different levels of cognitive load on the cingulate cortex's brain waves. The present study is semi-experimental. 30 sedentary female students with an average age 22.63 ± 1.92 years were selected by convenience sampling and equally divided into three groups (physical activity without cognitive load, physical activity with cognitive load and control). The experimental groups practiced specific training program for 16 sessions, but the control group performed their daily activities. Brain waves, before and after the training program, was recorded using EEG device in resting position and with open eyes. Fz, Cz and Pz data in the Delta, Theta, Alpha and Beta brain waves were analyzed using MANCOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test in the significant level of 0.05. The results showed a significant decrease for Delta brain wave in Fz and a significant increase for Alpha brain wave in Pz among participants into both experimental groups. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the effects of physical activity with and without cognitive load on the cingulate cortex's brain waves. According to the findings of the present study, physical activity with and without cognitive load could possibly provide the conditions for stimulation of neurons in the cingulate cortex, which may lead to adaptation in the nervous system.