Author(s): LIN, C., CHEN, D.T., WANG, K.P., Institution: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 1831

INTRODUCTION:
The sensorimotor rhythm (SMR; 12–15 Hz) is an EEG marker inversely related to somatosensory processing. In precision sports, reduced cortical activity in the sensorimotor area during the preparation phase enhances movement stability, thereby facilitating sport performance. However, previous studies primarily relied on FFT-based spectral estimates computed over relatively long time windows, which do not allow the characterization of event-related, time-resolved SMR modulations prior to movement execution. Therefore, the present study applied event-related desynchronization (ERD) analysis to quantify the temporal dynamics of SMR changes relative to a pre-movement baseline in amateur and novice golfers.
METHODS:
14 amateur golfers (age: 20.15 ± 1.40 years; handicap: 28.44 ± 9.40) and 19 novice golfers (age: 22.73 ± 1.48 years) performed 30 putts from a distance of 3 meters, with EEG data recorded during the 3 seconds before each putt. SMR activity at the Cz electrode was analyzed using ERD. The analysis compared the activation interval (-0.3 to -0.1 s relative to putting execution) against a baseline interval (-2.0 to -1.8 s). Statistical analysis was conducted using a two-way mixed ANOVA (Skill level: Amateur vs. Novice; Performance: Successful vs. Unsuccessful putts).
RESULTS:
The analysis revealed no significant interaction effect between skill level and putting performance (p = .30). However, a significant main effect was observed for the skill level factor (F = 4.33, p = .046, ηp2 = .123). Post-hoc tests demonstrated that amateurs exhibited significantly lower SMR-ERD values compared to novices.
CONCLUSION:
Amateurs show a rapid decrease in SMR power as they approach the moment of putting execution compared to novices. This implies that amateurs have superior task-relevant neural recruitment capabilities, supporting both the psychomotor efficiency hypothesis and the Type 2 Multi-Action Plan (MAP) model. However, these results are inconsistent with previous studies utilizing FFT analysis, which typically reported an increasing trend in SMR power prior to movement onset.