Effect of Optical Stimulation on Human Sensorimotor Activity Depending on the Level of Anxiety

Abstract

Individual differences in the effects of optical stimulation on the efficiency of sensorimotor activity depending on the anxiety level were investigated. The study involved 65 young men (aged 18–23). The trait anxiety (STAI) was assessed using the Spielberger scale; the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using the DASS-21 scale. EEG was recorded at the initial state with eyes closed followed by calculation of the frequency and amplitude of the individual alpha-peak in occipital cortical regions. In subjects, the time of simple and complex visual-motor reaction was determined under normal conditions and under optical stimulation with the frequency of individual alpha peak plus of 2 Hz. Under optical stimulation conditions, subjects with medium trait anxiety, as well as those in the group with medium anxiety according to the DASS scale, showed a significant decrease in the complex motor reaction time, whereas no changes were observed in the other groups.