EEG features of psycho-physiological relaxation

Psycho-physiological relaxation was investigated through its electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics. During 88 relaxation sessions of 8 subjects, 6-channel EEG data of 3-minute duration were recorded. EEG features of rest were obtained in a form of linear regression trends. On the contrary to general expectations, during resting conditions of 3-minute sessions 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. More successful relaxation was characterized mainly by lower delta-1 powers across the cortex. Potential applications involve clinical, pharmacological, and stress management areas.