From Rest to Cognitive Engagement: EEG Markers of Tetris Performance

Background: Video games like Tetris engage distinct cognitive processes, yet the neural mechanisms underlying gameplay remain incompletely understood. This study investigates how Tetris modulates brain activity patterns compared to resting state, focusing on oscillatory dynamics and their behavioral relevance.Methods: We recorded ۳۲-channel EEG in ۳۲ participants during rest and Tetris gameplay. Spectral analysis identified power differences in key frequency bands (theta: ۴-۶Hz; alpha۲: ۱۰-۱۱.۵Hz; beta۳: ۲۸-۲۹Hz). Cluster-based permutation tests (p<۰.۰۳, FDR-corrected) localized significant changes, while Spearman correlations and regression analyses examined performance relationships.Results: Three main findings emerged: (۱) Gameplay increased frontal theta (cognitive control) and occipital beta۳ (visual processing) while decreasing parietal alpha۲ (attention reallocation); (۲) Regional band power correlations showed a shift in co-modulation patterns from stronger frontoparietal theta covariance (rest) to enhanced parieto-occipital synchrony (gameplay), reflecting task-specific regional engagement; (۳) Frontal theta modulation predicted performance (R²=۰.۳۲۲, p=۰.۰۰۴), with stronger theta increases correlating with better scores (r=+۰.۵۷, p<۰.۰۱). Conclusion: Tetris induces rapid changes, with frontal theta emerging as a key marker of cognitive adaptability. These findings demonstrate the utility of Tetris for studying neuroplasticity and suggest its potential as a paradigm for cognitive training interventions. Future research should explore longitudinal changes in these neural patterns with extended practice.

کلیدواژه ها:

EEG ، Tetris ، cognitive control ، theta oscillations ، Neuroplasticity ، brain networks