Winners and losers in brain computer interface competitive gaming: directional connectivity analysis

Putri, F. , Susnoschi Luca, I. , Garcia Pedro, J. A., Ding, H. and Vučković, A. (2022) Winners and losers in brain computer interface competitive gaming: directional connectivity analysis. Journal of Neural Engineering, 19(4), 046037. (doi: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac8451) (PMID:35882224)

Abstract

Objective: to characterize the direction within and between brain connectivity in winning and losing players in a competitive brain-computer interface game. Approach: ten dyads (26.9 ± 4.7 years old, eight females and 12 males) participated in the study. In a competitive game based on neurofeedback, they used their relative alpha (RA) band power from the electrode location Pz, to control a virtual seesaw. The players in each pair were separated into winners (W) and losers (L) based on their scores. Intrabrain connectivity was analyzed using multivariate Granger Causality (GC) and Directed Transfer Function, while interbrain connectivity was analyzed using bivariate GC. Results: linear regression analysis revealed a significant relationship (p<0.05) between RA and individual scores. During the game, W players maintained a higher RA than L players, although it was not higher than their baseline RA. The analysis of intrabrain GC indicated that both groups engaged in general social interactions, but only the W group succeeded in controlling their brain activity at Pz. Group L applied an inappropriate metal strategy, characterized by strong activity in the left frontal cortex, indicative of collaborative gaming. Interbrain GC showed a larger flow of information from the L to the W group, suggesting a higher capability of the W group to monitor the activity of their opponent. Significance: both innate neurological indices and gaming mental strategies contribute to game outcomes. Future studies should investigate whether there is a causal relationship between these two factors.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education PhD scholarship and the RCUK EPSRC PhD scholarship EP/R513222/1ENG.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Putri, Finda and Susnoschi-Luca, Ioana and Vuckovic, Dr Aleksandra
• Authors: Putri, F., Susnoschi Luca, I., Garcia Pedro, J. A., Ding, H., and Vučković, A.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Biomedical Engineering
• Journal Name: Journal of Neural Engineering
• Publisher: IOP Publishing
• ISSN: 1741-2560
• ISSN (Online): 1741-2552
• Published Online: 26 July 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Neural Engineering 2022
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
305200		DTP 2018-19 University of Glasgow	Mary Beth Kneafsey	Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)	EP/R513222/1	MVLS - Graduate School