Shahid Beheshti University Sports Psychology 2676-3729 18 1 2026 03 21 Title: Examining the effect of mental fatigue on the relative power of brain waves of air pistol athletes (electroencephalography study) Title: Examining the effect of mental fatigue on the relative power of brain waves of air pistol athletes (electroencephalography study) 105238 10.48308/mbsp.2025.237342.1272 FA Zahra Fathirezaie Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran 0000-0001-7334-9228 Robab Basel Yones Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran 0009-0004-4077-0074 Mohammadtaghi Aghdasi Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran Journal Article 2024 10 23 Purpose: Mental fatigue is recognized as a significant factor influencing the reduction of cognitive and physical performance in athletes. This study aims to investigate the impact of mental fatigue on the relative power of brainwaves in pistol shooters using electroencephalography (EEG).<br /><br />Methods: The study involved 20 shooters divided into two groups: a mental fatigue group (10 participants) and a control group (10 participants). After fitting EEG caps, participants shot 15 rounds as a pre-test. They were then subjected to mental fatigue induced by the Stroop test for 30 minutes. A post-test similar to the pre-test was conducted afterward. Brainwave activity was measured using a 30-channel EEG device to calculate the relative power of theta to beta and alpha to beta ratios during both pre- and post-tests. Data analysis utilized MATLAB, EEGLAB, Excel, and SPSS, employing mixed ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05.<br /><br />Results: The results indicated that the effect of mental fatigue on the relative theta power over beta was more pronounced in the central and parietal regions. Additionally, the relative alpha power over beta also showed significant differences in the frontal, central, and parietal areas. This suggests a decrease in concentration and an increase in cognitive load among shooters.<br /><br />Conclusion: Therefore, the findings of this research can assist in improving strategies for managing mental fatigue by identifying the brain regions involved, based on the electrical activity of brain waves in athletes. This may aid coaches in designing training programs and optimizing athletes' performance. Purpose: Mental fatigue is recognized as a significant factor influencing the reduction of cognitive and physical performance in athletes. This study aims to investigate the impact of mental fatigue on the relative power of brainwaves in pistol shooters using electroencephalography (EEG).<br /><br />Methods: The study involved 20 shooters divided into two groups: a mental fatigue group (10 participants) and a control group (10 participants). After fitting EEG caps, participants shot 15 rounds as a pre-test. They were then subjected to mental fatigue induced by the Stroop test for 30 minutes. A post-test similar to the pre-test was conducted afterward. Brainwave activity was measured using a 30-channel EEG device to calculate the relative power of theta to beta and alpha to beta ratios during both pre- and post-tests. Data analysis utilized MATLAB, EEGLAB, Excel, and SPSS, employing mixed ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05.<br /><br />Results: The results indicated that the effect of mental fatigue on the relative theta power over beta was more pronounced in the central and parietal regions. Additionally, the relative alpha power over beta also showed significant differences in the frontal, central, and parietal areas. This suggests a decrease in concentration and an increase in cognitive load among shooters.<br /><br />Conclusion: Therefore, the findings of this research can assist in improving strategies for managing mental fatigue by identifying the brain regions involved, based on the electrical activity of brain waves in athletes. This may aid coaches in designing training programs and optimizing athletes' performance.