Hygienic Assessment of Digital Writing: A Bio-Cybernetic Approach. Report I

Abstract

Background: Introduction of digital technologies into the educational process involves the widespread use of keyboard typing and spending less time handwriting. At the same time, studies in the field of physiology and hygiene of handwriting show its importance for the development and formation of brain functions in children in the learning process. Potential risks for child development associated with regular typing and rare handwriting require proper hygienic assessment of the former. Yet, the lack of a scientifically based methodological approach is a strong limitation for such studies. Objective: To develop a methodological approach and conduct a pilot study on hygienic assessment of digital writing based on a bio-cybernetic analysis of the bioelectrical activity of the brain. Materials and methods: To arrange and conduct the research, we developed an algorithm based on a comparative analysis of the bioelectrical activity of the brain during typing and handwriting. Scalp electrodes were applied according to the In-ternational 10–20 system. EEG registration was carried out using a Neuro-KM computer-aided electroencephalograph by Statokin, Russia, with a Brainsys software for spectral-coherent and statistical analysis of EEG. The software allowed us to estimate the topography of the absolute power of the alpha rhythm in a resting state, during handwriting and typing, and the intrahemispheric and interhemispheric coherence of the alpha rhythm. Results: We established that the power of vibrations in the alpha range during digital and handwriting decreased compared to the resting state. Such a decrease reflecting activation of the cortex was noted in a more extensive area during handwrit-ing. Typing decreased alpha waves only in the motor and sensorimotor areas of the brain. Compared to the resting state, handwriting significantly increased interaction between all areas of the cortex inside both hemispheres while typing did that in one hemisphere only. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that handwriting is provided by a more complex system of activation and interaction of areas of the cerebral cortex than typing. The developed algorithm can be used for further research on digital writing.