Interpreting EEG alpha activity

David Vernon; O. Bazanova

doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.05.007

Interpreting EEG alpha activity

David Vernon
, O. Bazanova

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Exploring EEG alpha oscillations has generated considerable interest, in particular with regards to the role they play in cognitive, psychomotor, psycho-emotional and physiological aspects of human life. However, there is no clearly agreed upon definition of what constitutes ‘alpha activity’ or which of the many indices should be used to characterize it.

To address these issues this review attempts to delineate EEG alpha-activity, its physical, molecular and morphological nature, and examine the following indices: (1) the individual alpha peak frequency; (2) activation magnitude, as measured by alpha amplitude suppression across the individual alpha bandwidth in response to eyes opening, and (3) alpha “auto-rhythmicity” indices: which include intra-spindle amplitude variability, spindle length and steepness.

Throughout, the article offers a number of suggestions regarding the mechanism(s) of alpha activity related to inter and intra-individual variability. In addition, it provides some insights into the various psychophysiological indices of alpha activity and highlights their role in optimal functioning and behavior.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	94-110
Journal	Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Volume	44
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.05.007
Publication status	Published - Jul 2014

Keywords

Individual alpha peak frequency; Individual alpha bandwidth; Alpha amplitude suppression; Spindle-form segments length; Intra-spindle amplitude variability

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title = "Interpreting EEG alpha activity",

abstract = "Exploring EEG alpha oscillations has generated considerable interest, in particular with regards to the role they play in cognitive, psychomotor, psycho-emotional and physiological aspects of human life. However, there is no clearly agreed upon definition of what constitutes {\textquoteleft}alpha activity{\textquoteright} or which of the many indices should be used to characterize it. To address these issues this review attempts to delineate EEG alpha-activity, its physical, molecular and morphological nature, and examine the following indices: (1) the individual alpha peak frequency; (2) activation magnitude, as measured by alpha amplitude suppression across the individual alpha bandwidth in response to eyes opening, and (3) alpha “auto-rhythmicity” indices: which include intra-spindle amplitude variability, spindle length and steepness. Throughout, the article offers a number of suggestions regarding the mechanism(s) of alpha activity related to inter and intra-individual variability. In addition, it provides some insights into the various psychophysiological indices of alpha activity and highlights their role in optimal functioning and behavior.",

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Interpreting EEG alpha activity

Abstract

Keywords

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