Bridging cognitive neuroscience and education: Insights from EEG recording during mathematical proof evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Much of modern mathematics education prioritizes symbolic formalism even at the expense of non-symbolic intuition, we contextualize our study in the ongoing debates on the balance between symbolic and non-symbolic reasoning. We explore the dissociation of oscillatory dynamics between algebraic (symbolic) and geometric (non-symbolic) processing in advanced mathematical reasoning during a naturalistic design. METHOD: Employing mobile EEG technology, we investigated students' beta and gamma wave patterns over frontal and parietal regions while they engaged with mathematical demonstrations in symbolic and non-symbolic formats within a tutor-student framework. We used extended, naturalistic stimuli to approximate an authentic educational setting. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal nuanced distinctions in neural processing, particularly in terms of gamma waves and activity in parietal regions. Furthermore, no clear overall format preference emerged from the neuroscientific perspective despite students rating symbolic demonstrations higher for understanding and familiarity.

Math on cortex-enhanced delta phase synchrony in math experts during long and complex math demonstrations.

Neural oscillations are important for working memory and reasoning and they are modulated during cognitively challenging tasks, like mathematics. Previous work has examined local cortical synchrony on theta (4-8 Hz) and alpha (8-13 Hz) bands over frontal and parietal electrodes during short mathematical tasks when sitting. However, it is unknown whether processing of long and complex math stimuli evokes inter-regional functional connectivity. We recorded cortical activity with EEG while math experts and novices watched long (13-68 seconds) and complex (bachelor-level) math demonstrations when sitting and standing. Fronto-parietal connectivity over the left hemisphere was stronger in math experts than novices reflected by enhanced delta (0.5-4 Hz) phase synchrony in experts. Processing of complex math tasks when standing extended the difference to right hemisphere, suggesting that other cognitive processes, such as maintenance of body balance when standing, may interfere with novice's internal concentration required during complex math tasks more than in experts. There were no groups differences in phase synchrony over theta or alpha frequencies. These results suggest that low-frequency oscillations modulate inter-regional connectivity during long and complex mathematical cognition and demonstrate one way in which the brain functions of math experts differ from those of novices: through enhanced fronto-parietal functional connectivity.

Feasibility, usability, and acceptance of "Brain-IT"-A newly developed exergame-based training concept for the secondary prevention of mild neurocognitive disorder: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Background: Exergames provide a promising new approach to implement simultaneous motor-cognitive training, which may support preventing the decline in cognitive functioning in older adults who have a mild neurocognitive disorder (mNCD). Objectives: To evaluate feasibility, system usability, and acceptance of "Brain-IT", a newly developed training concept combining exergame-based motor-cognitive training and heart rate variability (HRV) guided resonance breathing for the secondary prevention of mNCD. Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with an allocation ratio of 2:1 (i.e., intervention:control) was conducted. The control group proceeded with usual care. The intervention group performed a 12-week training according to the "Brain-IT" training concept implemented with the "Senso Flex" (Dividat AG) exergaming system in addition to usual care. Feasibility and usability outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics. User acceptance was analyzed qualitatively and using Friedman analysis of variance (ANOVA), as well as Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Eighteen participants (77.3 ± 9.8 years; 44.4% females) were included. On average, we recruited 2.2 participants per month, and 35.3% of the individuals contacted were included. The intervention group had an attrition rate of 20% and mean adherence and compliance rates of 85.0 and 84.1%, respectively. The mean system usability score, measured with the system usability scale, was 71.7. High levels of exergame enjoyment, an increase in exergame enjoyment, and internalization of training motivation with large effect sizes (p = 0.03, r = 0.75 and p = 0.03, r = 0.74, respectively), as well as acceptable perceived usefulness, were observed. Preliminary data on the effects of the "Brain-IT" training are promising. Conclusion: The feasibility and usability of the "Brain-IT" training are acceptable. However, frequent occurrences of technical problems and difficulties in using the exergame training system were identified as barriers to performing the "Brain-IT" training. To optimize feasibility, either improvements or alternative solutions are required in the hardware and software of the exergame used to implement the "Brain-IT" training. The "Brain-IT" training itself was well-accepted by older adults who have mNCD. Therefore, the effectiveness of the "Brain-IT" training concept should be investigated in future studies. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04996654.

"InMotion"-Mixed physical exercise program with creative movement as an intervention for adults with schizophrenia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Schizophrenia is among the world's top 10 causes of long-term disability with symptoms that lead to major problems in social and occupational functioning, and in self-care. Therefore, it is important to investigate the efficacy of complementary treatment options for conventionally used antipsychotic medication, such as physical training, and psychosocial interventions. Objective: To combine aerobic and strength training with cognitive, emotional and social stimulation in one intervention for people with schizophrenia and test the feasibility and effects of this intervention. Methods: The study is a mixed-method randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of a 12-week intervention for adults with schizophrenia. The treatment group (30 participants) will receive the intervention in addition to standard care and the control group (30 participants) only standard care. The intervention consists of 24 biweekly sessions with a duration of 60 min. The pre-test (weeks from 4 to 2 prior to the intervention) and post-test (week 12) include clinical measure (PANSS), quality of life, social performance, movement quantity, brain function and eye tracking measures. In addition, a treatment subgroup of 12-15 participants and their family member or other next of kin will complete a qualitative interview as a part of their post-test. Two follow-up tests, including clinical, quality of life, brain function and eye tracking will be made at 6 and 12 months from the completion of the intervention to both study groups. The primary outcome is change in negative symptoms. Secondary outcome measures include general and positive symptoms, quality of life, social performance, movement quantity, brain function and eye tracking. Explorative outcome includes patient and family member or other next of kin interview. Results: Pilot data was collected by June 2023 and the main data collection will begin in September 2023. The final follow-up is anticipated to be completed by 2026. Conclusion: The InMotion study will provide new knowledge on the feasibility, efficacy, and experiences of a novel intervention for adults with schizophrenia. The hypothesis is that regular participation in the intervention will reduce clinical symptoms, normalize physiological measures such as brain activation, and contribute to new active habits for the participants. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05673941.

Nonlinear and machine learning analyses on high-density EEG data of math experts and novices.

Current trend in neurosciences is to use naturalistic stimuli, such as cinema, class-room biology or video gaming, aiming to understand the brain functions during ecologically valid conditions. Naturalistic stimuli recruit complex and overlapping cognitive, emotional and sensory brain processes. Brain oscillations form underlying mechanisms for such processes, and further, these processes can be modified by expertise. Human cortical functions are often analyzed with linear methods despite brain as a biological system is highly nonlinear. This study applies a relatively robust nonlinear method, Higuchi fractal dimension (HFD), to classify cortical functions of math experts and novices when they solve long and complex math demonstrations in an EEG laboratory. Brain imaging data, which is collected over a long time span during naturalistic stimuli, enables the application of data-driven analyses. Therefore, we also explore the neural signature of math expertise with machine learning algorithms. There is a need for novel methodologies in analyzing naturalistic data because formulation of theories of the brain functions in the real world based on reductionist and simplified study designs is both challenging and questionable. Data-driven intelligent approaches may be helpful in developing and testing new theories on complex brain functions. Our results clarify the different neural signature, analyzed by HFD, of math experts and novices during complex math and suggest machine learning as a promising data-driven approach to understand the brain processes in expertise and mathematical cognition.

Exploring body consciousness of dancers, athletes, and lightly physically active adults.

Body consciousness is associated with kinetic skills and various aspects of wellbeing. Physical activities have been shown to contribute to the development of body consciousness. Methodological studies are needed in improving the assessment of body consciousness in adults with distinct physical activity backgrounds. This study (1) examined whether dancers, athletes, and lightly physically active individuals differed regarding the level of their body consciousness, and (2) evaluated the usability of different methods in assessing body consciousness. Fifty-seven healthy adults (aged 20-37) were included in the study. Three experimental methods (aperture task, endpoint matching, and posture copying) and two self-report questionnaires (the Private Body Consciousness Scale, PBCS, and the Body Awareness Questionnaire, BAQ) were used in assessing body consciousness. Athletes outperformed the lightly physically active participants in the posture copying task with the aid of vision when copying leg postures. Dancers performed better than the athletes without the aid of vision when their back and upper body were involved, and better than the lightly active participants when copying leg postures. Dancers and athletes had higher self-reported cognitive and perceptual knowledge of their body than lightly physically active participants. To examine the role of different physical activities in developing body consciousness, experimental methods involving the use of the whole body might be most suitable. Subjective measures may provide complementary evidence for experimental testing.

Exploring Frequency-Dependent Brain Networks from Ongoing EEG Using Spatial ICA During Music Listening.

Recently, exploring brain activity based on functional networks during naturalistic stimuli especially music and video represents an attractive challenge because of the low signal-to-noise ratio in collected brain data. Although most efforts focusing on exploring the listening brain have been made through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), sensor-level electro- or magnetoencephalography (EEG/MEG) technique, little is known about how neural rhythms are involved in the brain network activity under naturalistic stimuli. This study exploited cortical oscillations through analysis of ongoing EEG and musical feature during freely listening to music. We used a data-driven method that combined music information retrieval with spatial Fourier Independent Components Analysis (spatial Fourier-ICA) to probe the interplay between the spatial profiles and the spectral patterns of the brain network emerging from music listening. Correlation analysis was performed between time courses of brain networks extracted from EEG data and musical feature time series extracted from music stimuli to derive the musical feature related oscillatory patterns in the listening brain. We found brain networks of musical feature processing were frequency-dependent. Musical feature time series, especially fluctuation centroid and key feature, were associated with an increased beta activation in the bilateral superior temporal gyrus. An increased alpha oscillation in the bilateral occipital cortex emerged during music listening, which was consistent with alpha functional suppression hypothesis in task-irrelevant regions. We also observed an increased delta-beta oscillatory activity in the prefrontal cortex associated with musical feature processing. In addition to these findings, the proposed method seems valuable for characterizing the large-scale frequency-dependent brain activity engaged in musical feature processing.

Naturalistic music and dance: Cortical phase synchrony in musicians and dancers.

Expertise in music has been investigated for decades and the results have been applied not only in composition, performance and music education, but also in understanding brain plasticity in a larger context. Several studies have revealed a strong connection between auditory and motor processes and listening to and performing music, and music imagination. Recently, as a logical next step in music and movement, the cognitive and affective neurosciences have been directed towards expertise in dance. To understand the versatile and overlapping processes during artistic stimuli, such as music and dance, it is necessary to study them with continuous naturalistic stimuli. Thus, we used long excerpts from the contemporary dance piece Carmen presented with and without music to professional dancers, musicians, and laymen in an EEG laboratory. We were interested in the cortical phase synchrony within each participant group over several frequency bands during uni- and multimodal processing. Dancers had strengthened theta and gamma synchrony during music relative to silence and silent dance, whereas the presence of music decreased systematically the alpha and beta synchrony in musicians. Laymen were the only group of participants with significant results related to dance. Future studies are required to understand whether these results are related to some other factor (such as familiarity to the stimuli), or if our results reveal a new point of view to dance observation and expertise.

Dance on cortex: enhanced theta synchrony in experts when watching a dance piece.

When watching performing arts, a wide and complex network of brain processes emerge. These processes can be shaped by professional expertise. When compared to laymen, dancers have enhanced processes in observation of short dance movement and listening to music. But how do the cortical processes differ in musicians and dancers when watching an audio-visual dance performance? In our study, we presented the participants long excerpts from the contemporary dance choreography of Carmen. During multimodal movement of a dancer, theta phase synchrony over the fronto-central electrodes was stronger in dancers when compared to musicians and laymen. In addition, alpha synchrony was decreased in all groups during large rapid movement when compared to nearly motionless parts of the choreography. Our results suggest an enhanced cortical communication in dancers when watching dance and, further, that this enhancement is rather related to multimodal, cognitive and emotional processes than to simple observation of dance movement.

Early auditory processing in musicians and dancers during a contemporary dance piece.

The neural responses to simple tones and short sound sequences have been studied extensively. However, in reality the sounds surrounding us are spectrally and temporally complex, dynamic and overlapping. Thus, research using natural sounds is crucial in understanding the operation of the brain in its natural environment. Music is an excellent example of natural stimulation which, in addition to sensory responses, elicits vast cognitive and emotional processes in the brain. Here we show that the preattentive P50 response evoked by rapid increases in timbral brightness during continuous music is enhanced in dancers when compared to musicians and laymen. In dance, fast changes in brightness are often emphasized with a significant change in movement. In addition, the auditory N100 and P200 responses are suppressed and sped up in dancers, musicians and laymen when music is accompanied with a dance choreography. These results were obtained with a novel event-related potential (ERP) method for natural music. They suggest that we can begin studying the brain with long pieces of natural music using the ERP method of electroencephalography (EEG) as has already been done with functional magnetic resonance (fMRI), these two brain imaging methods complementing each other.