Relationship between electroencephalographic oscillations and competitive anxiety in male youth soccer players

Abstract

The brains of soccer players in the eyes-open (exteroception) compared to the eyes-closed condition (interoception) probably have different relationships  with competitive anxiety. This research examines the relationship between electroencephalographic (EEG) oscillations and the level of competitive anxiety  among soccer players. Oscillations in the orbitofrontal cortex in the eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions at rest were explored in sixteen male  participants (Mage = 18.29, SD = 1.21) who completed the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT), to determine the neurophysiological ratios of brain  activity and competitive anxiety using an electroencephalogram (EEG) method. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant (rho =  -0.55, p<0.03) negative relationship between the eyes-closed condition in the alpha-band and competitive anxiety in contrast to the eyes-open condition  which yielded a non-significant correlation (rho = - 0.31, p>0.225). The different nature of the interrelation between the EEG alpha-band oscillations in the  orbitofrontal cortex and the level of anxiety among soccer players might reflect the relationship to internalization among soccer players - the effect of  interoceptive information when the players’ eyes are closed. As shown in this study, the data on alpha rhythm as neurophysiological correlates of  personality traits of soccer players which could precipitate changes in background activity of the brain as a reaction to eyes-open and eyes-closed  conditions can be used for diagnosis of competitive anxiety. The state of excessive anxiety might be regulated through dialogue or biofeedback in the  exact position where a footballer’s eyes are closed.