A Novel Ecological EEG Protocol to Assess Cognitive Load During Balance Task in Rehabilitation Settings

Balance impairments are traditionally assessed using clinical scales and instrumented tools over stabilometric platforms, while often overlooking the cognitive load using Electroencephalography (EEG) devices. This preliminary work evaluates the feasibility of a multiparametric balance assessment protocol for assessing the cognitive load during balance tasks by integrating a stabilometric platform and an ecological EEG device. Participants were asked to maintain balance under the conditions of eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). We found a significant increase of EEG alpha power when moving from EO to EC condition over frontal and occipital regions, as well as a significant difference of Cognitive Engagement Index (CEI), taken as beta to alpha power ratio of EEG signals, over occipital regions. Notably, these results reflect a significant variation of clinical data, here represented by static balance information. As well, compared to other studies assessing cognitive load during balance tasks using traditional whole mapping EEG, this works employs a fully portable device, hence allowing prospective applications in a wider range of environment besides research and experimental laboratories.