Effect of social media use and computerized Stroop task on EEG spectral power and physical performance in taekwondo athletes: an experimental randomized trial

We examined the acute effects of prolonged social media use (SMU) and computerized Stroop Task (MST) on EEG spectral power and physical performance in taekwondo (TKD) athletes. Fifteen athletes underwent cognitive manipulations (SMU, MST, documentary), followed by mental tiredness checks, EEG measurements, an intermittent TKD task, and psychobiological variables (HR, RPE). Only MST increased mental tiredness (p < 0.05). Theta power decreased in the parietal cortex at rest across conditions (p < 0.001). MST induced transient theta, alpha 1, and alpha 2 increases in parietal cortex during the task at 15 minutes (ps < 0.004), diminishing over time. Physical performance declined throughout rounds (p < 0.001), more under MST vs documentary (p = 0.03). RPE increased (p < 0.001); HR remained stable (ps > 0.07). High cognitive demand tasks may impair TKD athletes' performance.