The Effect of Prostration (Sajdah) on the Prefrontal Brain Activity: A Pilot Study

Introduction: “Sajdah”, a prostration position, is part of Muslim daily prayers. It seems to have several effects on the brain and heart function. This study aimed to investigate the prefrontal brain activity after 10 seconds of Sajdah in the direction of Qibla (the direction that a Muslim prays) while putting the forehead on the ground. Methods: Three women and two men participated in this pilot study. Linear (absolute and relative power of θ (4-8Hz), α 1 (8-10 Hz), α 2 (10-12 Hz), β 1 (12-16 Hz), β 2 (16-20 Hz), β 3 (20-30 Hz), γ 1 (30-40 Hz), γ 2 (40-50 Hz) and non-linear features (approximate entropy, Katz fractal dimension, Petrosian fractal dimension, spectral entropy, and sample entropy) from Fps channel were calculated. Results: The relative β to γ band, approximate and sample entropy, Petrosian fractal dimension and mean of amplitude decreased in open eye state in women. While θ to γ bands in the closed eye state decreased after Sajdah in women. The absolute γ bands in closed eye state and relative β band in open eye state increased after Sajdah in men. Conclusion: The pilot study showed that 10 seconds of Sajdah has effects on brain activity and sometimes showed the opposite effect on genders.