EEG Characterization of Psycho-Physiological Rest and Relaxation

EEG correlates of psycho-physiological rest are addressed. Experiment consisted of 88 relaxation sessions of 8 subjects. 6-channel EEG data of 3-minute duration were examined. Firstly EEG characteristics of rest were revealed in a form of linear regression trends. On the contrary to general expectations, during resting conditions of 3-minute session in darkened room in lying position with eyes closed, relative alpha-1 powers were decreasing, followed by increase in theta-1 and decrease in total powers over the whole cortex. EEG features derived from linear regression model were selected according their ability to discern between subjectively more and less successful relaxation. Lower overall power in backward areas as a distinctive characteristic of more successful relaxation was accompanied by increased alpha and beta-1 features in some cortex areas. Potential applications involve clinical, pharmacological, and stress management areas.