Analysis of propagation of multi-channel EEG in the test of sustained attention

The psychological construct `sustained attention´ describes a basic component of attention characterized by the subject´s readiness to detect rarely and unpredictably occurring signals over prolonged periods of time. In this study, six healthy volunteers underwent a sustained attention to response task (SART), while their electroencephalographic (EEG) were recorded contemporarily. Directed Transfer Function (DTF) was used as estimator for direction of propagation of EEG function coupling. The results of DTF showed that the information flux within EEG functional coupling changed when attention condition changed from inattention state to sustained attention state, principally at alpha and beta rhythms. The DTF could be used to evaluate sustained attention condition and they might be used for research on damage of attention mechanisms of ADHD and TBI diseases in future.