Task-related, intrinsic oscillatory and aperiodic neural activity predict performance in naturalistic team-based training scenarios

Abstract

Effective teams are essential for optimally functioning societies. However, little is known regarding the neural basis of two or more individuals engaging cooperatively in real-world tasks, such as in operational training environments. In this exploratory study, we recruited forty individuals paired as twenty dyads and recorded dual-EEG at rest and during realistic training scenarios of increasing complexity using virtual simulation systems. We estimated markers of intrinsic brain activity (i.e., individual alpha frequency and aperiodic activity), as well as task-related theta and alpha oscillations. Using nonlinear modelling and a logistic regression machine learning model, we found that resting-state EEG predicts performance and can also reliably differentiate between members within a dyad. Task-related theta and alpha activity during easy training tasks predicted later performance on complex training to a greater extent than prior behaviour. These findings complement laboratory-based research on both oscillatory and aperiodic activity in higher-order cognition and provide evidence that theta and alpha activity play a critical role in complex task performance in team environments.

Augmenting complex and dynamic performance through mindfulness-based cognitive training: An evaluation of training adherence, trait mindfulness, personality and resting-state EEG

“…Fig 5 shows the average neural metrics for each session, by topography. We note that these distributions are similar to comparative samples observed within the literature [ 61 , 69 , 128 , 129 ]. For all neural metrics, mean values were consistent (within two decimal points on average) between testing sessions.…”

Enhancing EEG-based attachment style prediction: unveiling the impact of feature domains

“…This infers that inherent neural patterns might be more indicative of attachment styles than task-induced responses during EEG sessions. However, at this stage this is still speculative and while there is no direct comparison of the weight of intrinsic and task-related EEG factors, it is generally known that both types of factors can impact cognitive processes and task performance ( Karamacoska et al, 2018 ; Mueller et al, 2021 ; Cross et al, 2022 ).…”

Medication-Invariant Resting Aperiodic and Periodic Neural Activity in Parkinson’s Disease

“…Second, aperiodic activity varies systematically and semi-independently of oscillations. The aperiodic exponent has been found to vary as a function of age (Finley et al, 2022;Hill et al, 2022;Voytek et al, 2015), clinical status (Karalunas et al, 2022;Shuffrey et al, 2022), cognitive function (Cross et al, 2022;Immink et al, 2021;Ostlund et al, 2021;Ouyang et al, 2020), and sleep state (Schneider et al, 2022). Third, these systematic differences in aperiodic activity could act as a substantial confound and create the appearance of systematic differences in oscillations in total power and ratio-based measures (Donoghue, Dominguez, et al, 2020;Donoghue, Haller, et al, 2020;Finley et al, 2022).…”