Abstract
Landing from a jump is related to predictive sensorimotor control. Frontal, central
and parietal brain areas are known to play a role in this process based on online
sensory feedback. This can be measured by EEG. However, there is only limited knowledge
about brain activity during predictive preparation for drop landings (DL). The purpose
is to demonstrate changes in brain activity in preparation for DL in different conditions.
After resting, 10 athletes performed a series of DLs and were asked to concentrate
on the landing preparation for 10 s before an auditory signal required them to drop
land from a 30 cm platform. This task was executed before and after a standardized
fatigue protocol. EEG spectral power was calculated during DL preparation. Frontal
Theta power was increased during preparation compared to rest. Parietal Alpha-2 power
demonstrated higher values in preparation after fatigue condition while lower limb
kinematics remained unchanged. Cortical activity in frontal and parietal brain areas
is sensitive for predictive sensorimotor control of drop landings. Frontal Theta power
demonstrates an increase and is related to higher attentional control. In a fatigued
condition the parietal Alpha-2 power increase might be related to a deactivation in
the somatosensory brain areas.
Key words
motor - fatigue - preparation - cortical activity
