PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ESPORTS AS A TOOL FOR NEUROCORRECTION

Abstract

Aim: this study presents a comparative analysis of the neuropsychological effects of esports training stages on individuals with disabilities, distinguishing between those who participated in combat operations and those who did not. Materials and methods. Functional neurobiological monitoring, in the form of alpha-theta biofeedback EEG training, was performed on 122 individuals with disabilities divided into two groups: combat veterans and non-combat participants. The training outcomes were assessed by modeling esports disciplines and comparing the results with each player’s standardized cyber accuracy using correlation analysis. Intergroup comparisons were subsequently conducted. Results. Correlations were observed between cyber accuracy and the final parameters of 6–9 Hz activity, which optimize cortical-subcortical interactions in both groups. Notably, in combat veterans compared to non-combat participants: 1) theta activity showed a direct positive association with cyber accuracy, and 2) correlations strengthened during the transition from the first to the second stage of neurobiological control. Conclusion. The findings suggest that the neuropsychological effects of esports training are more pronounced in combat veterans than in non-combat participants. This difference may be attributed to the involvement of the septo-hippocampal theta rhythm, whose potential activation was likely enhanced by prior diverse experiences.