Time-frequency representation of the electrogastrogram-application of the exponential distribution

The authors examined the applicability of the exponential distribution for the time-frequency representation of the electrogastrogram (EGG). The EGG is a noninvasive measurement of the electrical activity of the stomach by placing electrodes on the abdominal skin. Quantitative analysis of the EGG has relied on spectral methods. The normal frequency of the EGG in humans is 3 cycles/min. Electrical dysrhythmia observed in the EGG is associated with motor disorders of the stomach. The exponential distribution was applied here for the estimation of EGG frequency and for the detection of dysrhythmia in the EGG. A series of computer simulations was conducted, demonstrating the reliability of the exponential distribution in the analysis of nonstationary electrical signals of the stomach. Applications of the exponential distribution in the spectral analysis of typical EGGs are presented. The results show that there is a great potential for the use of the exponential distribution in EGG analysis.