How do cortical alpha-band dynamics differ at rest and during motor performance in male basketball players with low vs. high trait anxiety?

Trait anxiety may influence attentional control and neural efficiency, but its effects on cortical alpha dynamics from rest to action are unclear. We tested whether low vs. high trait anxiety modulates alpha power across rest (eyes closed/open) and free throws. Thirty-two male basketball players were classified as Low Trait Anxiety (LTA) or High Trait Anxiety (HTA) using STAI-T scores. Wireless EEG was recorded. Absolute alpha power (8-12 Hz) was analyzed with linear mixed-effects models including Group, Time, Hemisphere, and Homologous Cortical Region. LTA athletes showed higher alpha power than HTA athletes (F1, 85.78 = 36.42, <i>p</i> < .001). Alpha power decreased from rest to performance (F2, 154.45 = 45.88, <i>p</i> < .001). Group × Time interaction (F2, 154.45 = 6.97, <i>p</i> = .001) showed condition-dependent group differences. Hemisphere × Region effects emerged (Time × Hemisphere × Region: F14, 1206.09 = 3.76, <i>p</i> < .001; Group × Hemisphere × Region: F7, 597.09 = 2.69, <i>p</i> = .015), strongest parieto - occipitally. Overall, LTA players showed higher parieto - occipital resting alpha, whereas HTA players showed reduced resting alpha, consistent with weaker preparatory inhibitory gating. During performance, both groups exhibited strong posterior alpha suppression and group differences narrowed. In line with attentional-control accounts, LTA athletes may start with stronger filtering, whereas HTA athletes may rely on compensatory control. Thus, trait anxiety shapes pre-performance neural readiness, supporting pre-performance EEG screening and attentional-control interventions in sport.