Save
Download PDF

The purpose of this paper was to highlight preliminary research into the use of one electroencephalography (EEG) site (Cz) and 1 Hz bins to identify elite athletes during the assessment process. Eyes-open baseline data from several small groups of athletes (tennis, gymnastics) suggest that elite athletes have a dip in amplitude in very low frequencies and then an increased amplitude at 10 Hz in a single-site EEG spectral display, when compared with less successful teammates. Other clinical sites and research labs will need to replicate the reliability and value of this pattern. Three case studies demonstrate the potential for clinicians to use EEG information analyzed in 1 Hz bins to identify areas for clinical exploration. The authors suggest that the presentation of EEG data related to possible emotional issues makes it possible to discuss more quickly and directly any potential problem areas for athletes.

Keywords: elite athletes; sport psychophysiology; electroencephalography; 1 Hz bin
  • Download PDF
Copyright: Association for Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback
Figure 1.
Figure 1.

The 1 Hz profile at the Cz site of a “normal” 20-year-old nonathlete. The amplitude measured in micro volts (x axis) stair-steps down with each increase in the EEG frequency (y axis).


Figure 2.
Figure 2.

Typical elite athlete 1 Hz profile at Cz with eyes open shows an initial dip in amplitude in very low frequencies and a peak or increase at about 10 Hz.


Figure 3.
Figure 3.

The 1 Hz bins profile averages for six individuals diagnosed with attention deficit disorder are shown in the double black line, and the three athletes who were attending for performance enhancement are shown in the solid black line. All clients are female between 16 and 26 years of age. The athletes had elevated 10 Hz at rest with the eyes open.


Figure 4.
Figure 4.

Six university gymnasts in the highest ranking group are represented by the solid line and are compared to the five in the lower ranking group in 1 Hz bins at Cz with the eyes open.


Figure 5.
Figure 5.

The 1 Hz EEG bins for six young competitive gymnasts classified as better skilled and six less skilled gymnasts at the Cz site with eyes open.


Figure 6.
Figure 6.

Provincially ranked female singles tennis players with higher rankings (n  =  8) and lower ranked (n  =  7). The players who rank higher show a higher 10 Hz frequency with their eyes open at Cz.


Figure 7.
Figure 7.

The profile is that of a national caliber athlete who is defined by the coach as not gifted, but the hardest working athlete in the country.


Figure 8.
Figure 8.

A profile of a national caliber athlete who has atypical responses in several areas of the 1 Hz profile that are associated with attentional disorders, anxiety, and rumination.


Figure 9.
Figure 9.

Profile for a national caliber athlete who is facing academic warning and, according to the coach, has more ability than is showing in his sport results.


Figure 10.
Figure 10.

Both profiles show increases in upper level frequencies, which are not typical of athletes. The one athlete also has high frequencies in anxiety area (19–22 Hz). Both athletes report significant problems in their personal lives unrelated to sport. One athlete was referred for counseling following suicide ideation, and the other had several coach-initiated interventions because of the parents' “over-involvement” in the athlete's life.




Contributor Notes

Correspondence: Vietta E Wilson, PhD, 72 University Ave W., Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 1N7, email: viettaw@yahoo.com.