ANALYSIS OF CORTICAL ACTIVATION DURING MOTOR TASK CARRIED OUT IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY AMONG GENDER
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy, EEG, Physiotherapy.
Introduction: Although there are many similarities in brain structure and function in healthy men and women, there are important differences that distinguish the male brain from the female brain, leading to distinct neuroelectric brain responses. Nowadays, one of the techniques that has allowed the monitoring of the brain in activity is the electroencephalography, from non-invasive interfaces and wireless. Thereby, it becomes possible to understand the process of brain activation in a motor task based on virtual reality, which is a therapeutic resource increasingly used. Objective: To investigate the influence of a motor task performed in a virtual environment on the brain activity of healthy young men and women. Methodology: This is a comparative study, involving 30 individuals who were divided into two groups: female (A) and male (B). After undergoing a physical therapy assessment and cognitive status, through the Mini Mental State Examination, they were submitted to a session (20 minutes) of balance training in virtual reality (VR) during which the electroencephalic activity was recorded by Emotiv Epoc for evaluation of cortical activity. Finally, they were asked about their experience with VR. Results: In the Penguim Slide, Soccer Heading and Table Tilt games the means of activation potential in all channels were higher in the men group. In the game Balance Bubble the women presented greater activation. Already in the game Tight Rope, men and women presented similar pattern of cerebral activation. Conclusion: it was verified that virtual reality, in situations of immediate exposure, is capable of leading to a different brain activation, according to the chosen game.