Quantitative and semiquantitative characterization of brain electrical activity in high-performance boxers
Keywords:
Electroencephalography; brain waves; neurosciences; boxing; brain concussionAbstract
Introduction: The semi-quantitative characterization of resting electroencephalogram (EEG) visual analysis, and its quantitative parameters, can provide information for monitoring the functional evolution of boxing athletes.
Objectives: To perform a semi-quantitative and quantitative characterization of the electroencephalographic activity of high-performance boxers, as well as to identify differences in EEG indicators between boxers and non-athletes.
Material and Methods: Conventional EEG recordings were obtained from 33 boxers and 37 healthy, untrained subjects, which were evaluated using a semi-quantitative scale and quantitative EEG analysis. EEG indicators were compared between boxers with and without electroencephalographic alterations and untrained subjects.
Results: Boxers showed a higher frequency of pathological changes and modifications in EEG organization. In boxers with abnormal EEG, a decrease in peak spectrum frequency, increased theta and slow alpha power in anterior and central regions, and decreased fast alpha and beta power in posterior regions, were observed. In boxers with normal EEG, a decrease in left frontotemporal theta power and an increase in bilateral centroparietal beta power were observed.
Conclusions: The existence of pathological and adaptive modifications in the quantitative EEG of high-performance boxers was evidenced. Furthermore, quantifiable resting EEG indicators were obtained, which individually characterized the athletes. These data constitute a reference point for a personalized, systematic evaluation of brain function, allowing for the establishment of a methodology that can improve the quality of medical care for these athletes.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Marta Brown Martinez, Rafael Lerena Nápoles, Diosdado Mojena Lachay, Barbara Aymeé Hernández Hernández, Raúl Mendoza Quiñones, Magaly Fuentes Parra, Trinidad Virués Alba
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