Leveraging EEG for Cognitive and Motor Task Analysis During Swimming: The Role of the Smarting PRO Device

The integration of advanced technologies in neuroscience research continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in cognitive and motor task analysis. One such technological advancement is the Smarting PRO EEG device, which has proven to be instrumental in a recent study exploring cognitive tasks during swimming. 

Klapprott and Debener (2024) aimed to investigate cognitive performance while participants engaged in a complex motor task: swimming. The experimental design involved presenting auditory stimuli to participants while they were either seated or swimming, with EEG data collected to assess cognitive and motor responses. The setup utilised the Smarting PRO EEG device, which played a pivotal role in ensuring data quality and accuracy. 

Smarting PRO EEG Device: Key Features and Benefits 

 

  1. High-Quality Data Acquisition: The Smarting PRO device utilised 28 sintered Ag/AgCl passive electrodes, placed at key 10–20 system sites, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the scalp. The electrodes were integrated into an elastic cap, specifically designed without chin straps to accommodate the swimming condition. This setup minimised movement artifacts and provided reliable data acquisition. 
  2. Synchronisation and Integration: EEG data, head movement data, and experimental events were synchronised using Lab Streaming Layer (LSL) and a custom app, Receiva. The Smarting PRO’s ability to work seamlessly with these systems ensured that data from multiple sources were accurately integrated and stored in a single XDF file, facilitating efficient data analysis. 

 

Addressing Challenges and Enhancing Data Quality 

  1. Maintaining Data Integrity in Water: The primary challenge in conducting EEG research in a swimming pool was protecting the equipment from water damage. Researchers addressed this by using a silicone swim cap to cover the EEG cap and amplifier, sealed with medical tape to prevent water ingress. This protective measure ensured that the Smarting PRO device remained operational throughout the swimming block. 
  2. Stabilising the Bluetooth Connection: Given that Bluetooth signals do not transmit through water, maintaining a stable connection was critical. The smartphone, used for both stimulus presentation and data recording, was kept afloat using a buoy, preventing disconnection and ensuring continuous data streaming from the Smarting PRO device. 
  3. Minimising Head Movement Artifacts: Head movement artifacts are a significant concern in mobile EEG studies, especially during physical activities like swimming. To address this, participants used a front snorkel to breathe without turning their heads, reducing movement artifacts and enhancing signal stability. 

 

Analysing Cognitive and Motor Tasks 

 

  1. Auditory Oddball Paradigm: The cognitive task involved an auditory oddball paradigm, where participants were required to count deviant tones among standard tones. The Smarting PRO device enabled the precise measurement of event-related potentials (ERPs), such as the N100 and P300 components, which are crucial for assessing cognitive responses to stimuli. 
  2. Exploring Brain Activity During Swimming: The study also explored oscillatory brain activity in the alpha, mu, and beta frequency bands during swimming. The Smarting PRO device's high sampling rate and ability to capture detailed EEG data allowed researchers to investigate changes in brain activity associated with complex motor tasks. 

 

The Smarting PRO EEG device was instrumental in the successful execution of this study, providing robust data collection and analysis capabilities in a challenging environment. Its high-quality data acquisition and integration with other systems were crucial for overcoming the hurdles associated with measuring EEG during swimming.

This study not only demonstrated the feasibility of mobile EEG in aquatic settings but also highlighted the Smarting PRO’s significant contribution to advancing cognitive and motor task research. By enabling accurate and reliable measurements in dynamic and non-traditional settings, the Smarting PRO device continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in neuroscience research, offering new insights into the complex interactions between cognitive processes and physical activity.