Introduction The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the test on the simulator on the bioelectric activity of the brain of professionally active drivers.

Methods Electroencephalography registration was performed with the 32-channel recorder. Electrodes locations were specified by the International 10–20 system. The records were performed before the start of the test on the simulator, which enables full simulation of real road conditions (Exam I) and after its completion (Exam II). A recording was performed, with eyes closed, for 30 min. At 2,5,6,23,25 min of the test, the eye was opened and closed, at the 8th min. – a test of deep breathing (hyperventilation test – 3 min) and intermittent photic stimulation. We used stimulation with frequencies of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30 Hz and back. 45 subjects were enrolled to study. All subjects were bus drivers aged 31–58 years (43.5±7.9 years), seniority as a bus driver of 13.3±8.6 years. The frequency and amplitude of the basic activity of the brain was analysed and compared between left and right homologous EEG channels in Exam I and II.

Results The basic activity brain parameters were analysed at rest, 2–3 min hyperventilation and after activation attempts. In the Exam I hyperventilation revealed a statistically significant difference between basic rhythm frequencies (p=0.043). In the left-side channels, the mean value was significantly higher than in the right-side channels (10.49±1.34 vs 10.30±1.19), the difference was not observed in the Exam II (10.46±1.66 vs 10.29±1.64, p=0.397).

Discussion This difference could not be explained by the physiological response to hyperventilation. There were no differences between the baseline rhythm recorded at rest at both the first and second test. The explanation of these results requires further studies.