Motor Behavior

The Effect of Virtual Reality Training on Upper Band Alpha Activity in the Frontal Cortex in Golf Putting: A Source-Localized EEG Study in Novices

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

somayeh golzar 1
Mahdi Sohrabi 1
Hamidreza Taheri 1
Rohollah Hosseini 2

1 Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology,Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22089/mbj.2025.18219.2221
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) environments are increasingly used for motor skill learning, yet the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms in the earliest stages remain unclear. This study examined changes in upper alpha band power (10-12 Hz) while novices acquired a golf putting skill in VR. 26 right handed adults (20-26y) were randomly assigned to a VR group(n=13) or control group(n=13). EEG was recorded in pre- and post-test, and source localization was applied to quantify upper-alpha power in the dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC), pre supplementary motor area(Pre-SMA), supplementary motor area(SMA), and primary motor cortex(M1). Results showed VR practice produced a significant decrease in upper alpha band power (event-related desynchronization) within the DLPFC and Pre- SMA (T= 1.84, p<0.05), whereas no change emerged in the control group. Alpha desynchronization in anterior cortical areas indicates grater cognitive engagement and motor planning VR. Rather than reflecting improved neural efficiency, this pattern appears to be an adaptive response to the high cognitive load of the VR context and continued need for conscious processing in cognitive-associative motor learning stages. These results emphasize the necessity of considering the complexities of human – VR interaction in designing training interventions.

Keywords

virtual reality
motor learning
alpha power
golf putting
Subjects
Motor Behavior

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 04 December 2025

  • Receive Date 01 July 2025
  • Revise Date 10 September 2025
  • Accept Date 13 October 2025

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