Modulation of attention and stress with arousal: The mental and physical effects of riding a motorcycle

“Oh Shit!” Moments: Motorcycling, “Thrownness,” and the Startle Effect

“…It is well documented and understood that riding a motorcycle requires a motorcyclist to “anticipate, be cool under pressure, be attuned to a constantly moving environment at speed, and position the body-motorcycle such as riding a ‘racing line’ which positions a rider effectively round a corner” (Owton, 2021, p. 160). This enhancement of sensory processing, increase in focus, and visual attention can increase epinephrine levels, increase heart rate, and decrease cortisol levels demonstrating that riding a motorcycle can replicate the results associated with exercise and the reduction of stress levels (Vaughn et al, 2021). Our bodies judge whether a situation is stressful which is assessed based on sensory input and stored memories (Vaughn et al, 2021).…”

“…This enhancement of sensory processing, increase in focus, and visual attention can increase epinephrine levels, increase heart rate, and decrease cortisol levels demonstrating that riding a motorcycle can replicate the results associated with exercise and the reduction of stress levels (Vaughn et al, 2021). Our bodies judge whether a situation is stressful which is assessed based on sensory input and stored memories (Vaughn et al, 2021). Stress is a biological, psychological, and emotionally embodied response experienced when we perceive a threat under pressure (American Psychological Association [APA], 2018).…”

“…There is a sense of belonging to a way of life, and there are hidden codes of knowing between riders; nods indicate we acknowledge these risks but recognize the sense of aliveness (Owton, 2021). Riding a motorcycle not only provides an individual with a project that extends part of oneself telling stories where emotional connections occur but can improve one’s mental health biologically, psychologically, and socially (Brymer & Schweitzer, 2013; Pirsig, 1991; Vaughn et al, 2021). While risks are attached in the pursuit of cultivating a sensuous self, new adventures where one can successfully survive a threat can nurture mental health through feelings of joy, accomplishment, assurance, and resilience providing an opportunity to grow and expand one’s sense of self.…”

EEG Data Quality in Real‐World Settings: Examining Neural Correlates of Attention in School‐Aged Children

“…Alpha oscillations (7–12 Hz) recorded over the visual cortex are regarded as one of the most stable EEG oscillatory patterns and have been used to examine attention in children and adults (e.g., Capotosto, Babiloni, Romani, & Corbetta, 2009; Foxe & Snyder, 2011; Lenartowicz et al, 2016). The high signal‐to‐noise ratio and strong mechanistic bases of alpha signal derived from lab‐based studies provide a strong foundation on which to base EEG studies of the same attentional processes in naturalistic settings, including real‐world spatial navigation and movement (Ehinger et al, 2014; Liang, Starrett, & Ekstrom, 2018), visual attention during motorcycling (Vaughn et al, 2021), and student engagement during college lessons (Grammer, Xu, & Lenartowicz, 2021).…”