Experimental Methods of Studying the Neurophysiological Features of Esports Players (Review)

Abstract

Electronic sports (esports) is a form of competition using video games. Competitions in esports help to develop cognitive skills, abstract thinking, memory, spatial thinking and the ability to navigate the virtual space under time pressure. In this regard, neurophysiological mechanisms implementing and regulating physiological processes when playing esports are a promising topic of research. According to L.P. Matveyev’s classification (2017), esports belongs to the fifth group of sports activities, which is characterized by applying abstract logic under decreased motor activity. Computer games stimulate the development of cognitive functions, such as reaction time, speed of decision making, attention, hand coordination and others, which suggests that the psycho-emotional and psycho-physiological parameters in esports players are similar to those in other athletes. However, it should be noted that the neurophysiological mechanisms of these processes in esports players have been little studied. Since these mechanisms are based on the activity of the central nervous system, it is interesting to consider the bioelectric activity of the cerebral hemispheres in esports players in relation to their cognitive style. In the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar electronic libraries as well as a number of Russian scientific databases, the authors entered the following search queries: video games, video game addiction, esports, cognitive functions, neurophysiology of esports players, neurophysiological research methods in esports, non-invasive research methods. Based on the literature analysis, methods were identified that allow us to assess the functional state of the brain when processing sensory signals and physiological changes in higher nervous activity as well as to determine peak amplitude of muscle force through signal integration. Further, methods demonstrating controversial results are listed, which do not make it possible to establish the mechanisms of the nervous system. In addition, promising methods are identified that allow us to read brain activity using infrared light.