INFLUENCE OF BACKGROUND MUSIC ON ATTENTION PARAMETERS AND ELECTRICAL BRAIN ACTIVITY

Abstract

Introduction. Background music is often used during mental work; however, whether it genuinely aids in these tasks or is simply a habit that may decrease work productivity is a question requiring investigation. Literature data indicate a multifaceted influence of musical accompaniment on cognitive functions, depending on genre, musical experience, properties of human nervous processes, which may result from individual variability of neural reactions to music. The aim of the study is to examine the influence of background music on tasks requiring attention concentration and to elucidate the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying these processes through the analysis of brain electrical activity. Methods. The study involved 20 students aged 18 to 25 years. Attention assessment was carried out based on the results of the "correction test." EEG was recorded during attention tests in silence and during background classical music. Group comparative analysis of spectral power was conducted in the following frequency ranges: theta (4-7.49 Hz), alpha-1 (7.5 - 9.9 Hz), alpha-2 (10-12.9 Hz), beta-1 (13-23.9 Hz), beta-2 (24-35 Hz). Results. It was found that background music led to a decrease in speed, the overall number of letters viewed and crossed out in the correction test compared to performance without music. The number of errors and attention concentration indicators did not differ with and without music. Task performance with background music was accompanied by a decrease in EEG spectral power in theta and beta-2 frequency ranges compared to a similar task without music. Conclusions. Background music worsened task performance but did not affect its accuracy, indicating interference between auditory and visual stimulus processing. The reduction in EEG spectral power in theta and beta-2 frequency ranges during the correction test with background music reflects a decrease in working memory load and stress levels. Such changes may be a consequence of reduced task novelty and the calming influence of pleasant music. The use of music as a background for mental work remains a controversial idea due to the decrease in work.