Z H MURAT et al: THE CONFORMITY BETWEEN BRAINWAVE BALANCING INDEX (BBI) . . .
The Conformity Between Brainwave Balancing Index (BBI) Using EEG and Psychoanalysis Test Zunairah Hj Murat, Mohd Nasir Taib, Sahrim Lias, Ros Shilawani S. Abdul Kadir, Norizam Sulaiman and Mahfuzah Mustafa Faculty of Electrical Engineering Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam Selangor Malaysia
[email protected] Abstract - The principle of this study is to compare between the brainwave balancing index (BBI) using EEG signals and established psychoanalysis test to obtain the conformity. Wireless EEG equipment via Bluetooth was used to measure the brainwave signals in the right and left frontal area of the brain. The recorded EEG signals were channeled into intelligent signal processing techniques and specific algorithm to achieve BBI. Consequently, the signals were statistically correlated with 15 item psychoanalysis test to obtain the conformity. The outcome shows that conformity is the highest for Power Spectral Density Analysis at 80% followed by artifact removal analysis. These findings (brainwave dominance and BBI) could be used as a straightforward indicator of one’s ability to think and work leading to vast opportunity for constructive human potential advancement. Keywords- EEG; psychoanalysis test; brainwave balancing index
whereas Beta wave is mainly during alert or working condition [2]. I.
INTRODUCTION
The brain is an electrochemical organ consisting of billions of neurons which process and send information and able to generate electrical power represented in terms of waves. Additionally, the brain is also divided into two hemispheres, right and left. The left hemisphere is dominant in behavior involving language, speech and analysis whereas the right hemisphere is superior in perceiving, thinking, remembering and understanding. Researchers have demonstrated that balanced thinking that optimally uses both left and right brain simultaneously could lead to balanced lifestyles resulting in happiness and good health. It is hyphothised that by examining the brainwaves using EEG, certain condition can be established with regard to psychoanalysis of brainwave balancing state. The main aim of this study is to establish the fundamentals of Brainwave Balancing Index from EEG signals using intelligent signal processing method and specific algorithm. Further, the BBI obtained from EEG signals were verified for conformity using established psychoanalysis test. II.
Table 1. Elements of the brainwaves Brainwave
1
Amplitude
(Hz)
(microvolt)
13 - 40
lowest
Sample Image
Alpha 2
Relax/reflecting Closed eyes
3
4
Theta Drowsy/free-flow Delta Sleep
8 -12
low
4 -7
high
0.1 - 3
highest
Additionally, the brain is also divided into two hemispheres; right and left [5-7]. Dr. Paul Sorgi, renowned psychiatrist and Harvard Medical School alumnus, wrote in his book “The 7 Systems of Balance: A Natural Prescription” that the complexity of modern life have caused illnesses related to stress when the mind is out of balance affecting one’s body physically and psychologically [8]. He emphasized that in pursuing our passion to be happy, we ultimately become unhappy due to imbalance brain (thinking) that leads to imbalance lifestyles. Balance life produces a sense of well being, happiness, healthy and satisfied and able to interact well with others [7-9].
LITERATURE SURVEY
The brain which is the center of the human’s nervous system is also recognized as a central processing unit (CPU) to a human body [1-2]. The brain cells called neurons interact with one another through trains of signal pulses producing brainwaves. The brainwaves are categorized into four levels namely Delta, Theta, Alpha and Beta. Table 1 shows element of the brainwave relative to the frequency and amplitude. Delta wave is the lowest frequency band with highest amplitude is more dominant during sleep
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Beta alert/working
Frequency
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Z H MURAT et al: THE CONFORMITY BETWEEN BRAINWAVE BALANCING INDEX (BBI) . . . display the real time results showing brainwave balancing index and brainwave dominance. Finally we used established psychoanalysis test to verify the conformity of the system.
Researchers have shown that living in balance leads to a longer and healthier life resulting in improvement of human potential. However, the major issue is how do we achieve balanced thinking? In recent years, there has been an increasing interest to investigate the methods for brain balancing [10-12]. Auditory and visual are the most widely used method applying the concept of entrainment of the brainwave to produce more wave of similar frequency to the external stimuli known as frequency following response [11-13]. Other methods include Transcranial Magnetic/Electric Stimulation and traditional techniques such as massages, meditation and acupunctures [10-12]. EEG is the recording of brain spontaneous activity in terms of electrical potential along the scalp produced by the interconnection of neurons [4]. EEG measurements are widely used in medical and neuroscience research areas using metal electrodes and conductive media [4]. The EEG measured externally direct from the scalp surface is named electrocortiogram while when using depth probes it is called electrogram [4]. In this research, only EEG measured from the head surface is considered. Thus EEG procedure is completely non-invasive and can be applied repeatedly to patients, with virtually no risk or limitation [4-5]. Due to capability to reflect both the normal and abnormal electrical activity of the brain, EEG has been found to be a very powerful tool in the field of neurology and clinical neurophysiology [3],[6]. From the review of literature and the overall search, it is obvious that there is increasing need to ensure that one’s life is balance in order to be happy and healthy. Directly or indirectly, a balance life begins with a balance mind or thinking that relates straightforwardly to the brain [1-2]. Although currently there are many methods and devices to promote brain balancing, scientific evidence of brainwave balancing index using EEG were not found. How do we balance our thinking when we are not sure whether our brainwave is balanced or not? There is, therefore, a definite need to know how balance our brainwaves are and whether we are left or right dominance before engaging in suitable activities to balance our brainwaves. III.
IV.
All experiments were performed and by means of facilities at the Biomedical Research and Development Laboratory for Human Potential, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. Moreover, this laboratory has received recognition from the Malaysia Book of Record as the first research and development laboratory for human potential in Malaysia. Participants were volunteering undergraduate students from Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. They were not paid to participate and they were allowed to quit at any time they wished. Total participants were 51 among 28 males and 23 Females as depicted in Fig. 1. The average age is 21.7. Furthermore, all participants were in healthy conditions and also not consuming any medicine or drug prior to the test. The ethics committee from Universiti Teknologi MARA has approved this research.
Figure 1. Participants’s break down in terms of gender
The time frame protocol of the experiment is shown in table 2. The total time required for each participant is approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Initially, participants rested for 2 minutes while EEG experimental procedure were carried out. Consequently, EEG signals were recorded continuously for 5 minutes during eyes closed. Finally, participants were asked to answer the questionaires within 15 minutes. However, most participants completed between 10 to 15 minutes.
BRAINWAVE BALANCING INDEX (BBI)
This paper proposes a new system called BBI that could evaluate the symmetrical properties of the brainwave signals scientifically using EEG. In addition, the real time system is able to identify the brainwave dominance, that is whether a person is right dominant or left dominant. The system should be simple and user friendly. Finally, the system needs to be verified for conformity with other established techniques. Matlab Simulink was employed as a programming tool to filter the noise and to analyze the EEG signal. We designed a graphic user interface (GUI) to
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METHODOLOGY
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Z H MURAT et al: THE CONFORMITY BETWEEN BRAINWAVE BALANCING INDEX (BBI) . . . electrodes were used to employ bipolar connection for 2 channels and in accordance to International Standard 10-20 electrode placement system. Sampling frequency is 256 Hz with electrode impedance maintained below 5 kΩ using Zchecker equipment. Simultaneously, EEG raw data were transmitted wirelessly through blue tooth facilities to the processing device. The same processing device was used throughout the signal analysis to maintain consistency. The experimental procedure shown in Fig. 3 is followed closely to ensure accuracy and consistency of the EEG data:
Table 2. Time frame protocol of the experiment
2 minutes
5 minutes
Rest during electrodes placement
EEG data acquisition
10-15 minutes
Psychoanalysis Test (answer the 15 item questionnaires)
1. Fig. 2 explains the overall methodology for the experiment. The experiment consists of two parts, the first one is the EEG recording followed by the psychoanalysis test. The EEG signals were analyzed by means of PSD analysis and artifact removal analysis to reduce noise. Further, the EEG signals, including the raw EEG data, were cause to undergo brainwave balancing analysis to produce results in terms of Brainwave Balancing Index (BBI). The BBI is three level with index A being balanced; B is for moderately balanced and C for unbalanced. In addition, the total marks (score) from psychoanalysis test were categorized into BBI also. Thus, all BBI results were compared to obtain the conformity using BBI from psychoanalysis test as the reference.
2. 3. 4.
5.
Participants Psychoanalysis Test
6. 7.
EEG Recording (Raw data)
15 item questionnaires
8. PSD Analysis
Artifact Removal Analysis
Categorize the score
Brainwave Symmetry Analysis
Brainwave Symmetry Analysis
Brainwave Symmetry Analysis
Result (BBI)
Result (BBI)
Result (BBI)
Result (BBI)
When a participant has agreed to participate in the research, he/she registered and signed the consent form. The form is kept in a proper filing system at the laboratory. The participant sits on a comfortable chair with headrest and relaxed. His / her skin on the forehead and ear lobes were cleaned with nonabrasive alcohol to remove dirt and dead cells for better contact. The gold electrodes with conductive paste were connected properly. Channel 1 is connected to the right side of the forehead Fp1, whereas Channel 2 is connected to the left forehead Fp2. The reference is at the center of forehead (Fpz). At this time, the participant was asked to relax and close eyes (but not sleep). This is to avoid artifacts from eye blinking and to assure that the dominant brainwave is Alpha since Alpha is the signatory brainwave of an individual [3]. EEG is recorded for 5 minutes continuously. Intelligent Signal processing technique and specific algorithm is performed on this EEG data to produce brainwave balancing index and brainwave dominance. Real time results were shown in terms of Graphic User Interface. ground
Comparison and analyze overall results
Electrode Connection
EEG Real time and wireless Data Acquisitions
Storage and Analysis Filters (Matlab/ Simulink)
GUIBrainwave Balancing
Conformity and Conclusion Figure 3. EEG data acquisition procedure
Figure 2. Overall methodology for the experiment.
B. EEG Signal Analysis
A. EEG Experimental Procedure
The Simulink flow diagram of EEG data acquisitions is shown in Fig. 4, while Fig. 5 depicts the flow diagram of the
EEG data acquisitions were carried out using g-Mobilab from g.tec Guger Technologies. Five pieces of gold
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Z H MURAT et al: THE CONFORMITY BETWEEN BRAINWAVE BALANCING INDEX (BBI) . . .
EEG t C lo c k
0
D e l ta
B andpower
R IG H T N O R M
T o F ile
T o F ile 2
C h 1 R HS B andpower
RHS s c ope
T o W o rk s p a c e 1
s q rt
k
EEG
T H e ta
B andpower
M a th F u n c t io n
D is p la y R IG H T ( C H 1 )
Ch 1 RHS B andpower 1
mu
? ? ?
R IG H T R E A L
L E F T (C H 2 )
EEG
B andpower
R IG H T
R IG H T 1
T o W o rk s p a c e 2
T o W o rk s p a c e 4
Alp h a
g M O B Ila b + M P -2 0 0 7 . 1 0 . 0 1 Ch 1 RH S B andpower 2
in p u t s ig n a l EEG
B andpower
B e ta
To W o rk s p a c e 3 Ch 1 RHS B andpower 3
EEG
M A IN S c o p e
D e l ta
B andpower
IN P U T S IG N A L S C O P E Ch 2 LHS B andpower 1
LH S S c ope s q rt Th e ta
EEG
B andpower
M a th F u n c t io n 1
Ch 2 LHS B andpower 2
L E F TN O R M LE F T 1 To W o rk s p a c e 5
T o F ile 3 L E F TR E A L
EEG
B andpower
Ch 2 LHS B andpow er
EEG
Alp h a
LE F T
3
B andpower
T o F ile 1
T o W o rk s p a c e
B e ta
Ch 2 LHS B andpower 4
Figure 4. Simulink Flow Diagram of EEG Data Acquisitions
Matlab program. In addition, Fast Fourier Transform based on power spectrum analysis using Welch technique and Hanning windowing function was applied to investigate the power spectral density. Finally the correlation between left and right brainwave were observed. The results, which are brainwave balancing index and brainwave dominance, were shown in terms of graphic user interface on a computer screen. Subsequently, psychoanalysis tests were performed to compare with BBI from EEG for validation. EEG data analyses were performed using MATLAB and SIMULINK tools.
EEG signal analysis. Initially, EEG raw signals were passed through a Notch filter to remove 50Hz noise from cable line. Consequently, Butterworth Low pass and Band Pass filters were designed to segregate the signals according to the four frequency bands (Delta, Theta, Alpha and Beta). The signals were further processed using specific algorithm of filtration to reject artifacts and to allow only the useful components to pass through the correlation Analysis. Peak values of more than 100 μV threshold were regarded as artifacts and were automatically eliminated as discussed in [14] using a
EEG r aw data
C. Psychoanalysis Tests Psychoanalysis tests were carried our immediately after completion of EEG recording for each participants. The test consists of established 15 item Brain-Dominance Questionnaires [13] designed to indicate whether the person’s tendency to be left-brain dominance, right-brain dominance or balanced (using both left and right brain about uniformly). Fig. 6 shows the flow diagram of the questionnaires analysis. Participants could choose only one answer: a, b, or c. for each answer a, one minus is given while for each answer b, received one plus. Scores were calculated based on the sum of minus and plus only since answer c is ignored. The questionnaires score is compared to table 3 to obtain the index.
B ut terwo rt h F ilt ers (l ow p ass and band pass) M ean of eac h fr equenc y b an d
Left an d R ig ht R elati onship usin g M ATLA B and Sp ec ific A lg ori thm
B rain Balanci ng Gr ap hs/G UI
Co ncl usio n
Figure 5. Flow diagram of EEG signal analysis for brainwave balancing index
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Z H MURAT et al: THE CONFORMITY BETWEEN BRAINWAVE BALANCING INDEX (BBI) . . .
Answers from 15 questions either a, b or c
B. BBI Systems
If answer=a, put a minus sign (-ve) if answer=b, put a plus sign (+ve) and ignore if answer=c
Initially, comparison of conformity between PSD analysis, artifact removed analysis and raw data analysis for EEG signals were performed independently for each frequency band. As the result shown in table 5 , PSD analysis gives highest conformity for 3 out of 4 freq band namely for Delta, Alpha and Beta band. In contrast, raw data analysis gives lowest conformity for 3 out of 4 bands (Delta, Theta and Beta). This observation is expected since the raw data EEG signals contain high artifacts compared to PSD and artifact removed signals. It follows that the percentage difference of the conformity for each frequency band is clearly depicted in Fig. 6.
Total the plus and minus to get the score Compare score using table 2 given below to get the 3-index level: A, B or C Figure 6. Flow diagram of questionnaires analysis
Table 5. Comparison between PSD analysis, artifact removed analysis and raw data analysis for each frequency band.
Table 3. Index for psychoanalysis test and EEG
QUESTIONAIRES SCORE BBI SCORE INDEX 0 = whole-brain dominance (bilateral) Highly Balanced A -4 to -1 = slight preference toward the left Balanced A +1 to +4 = slight preference toward the right Balanced A -8 to -5 = moderate preference for the left Moderately Balanced B +5 to +8 = moderate preference for the right Moderately Balanced B -12 to -9 = left-brain dominant Less Balanced B +9 to +12 = right-brain dominant Less Balanced B -15 to -13 = left-brain dominant (very strong) Unbalanced C +13 to +15 = right-brain dominant (very strong) Unbalanced C V.
Comparison be twe e n PSD Analysis, Artifact Re move d Analysis and Raw Data Analysis (Pe rc e nta ge of Confor mity for Eac h Fre quenc y Band)
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
85
A. Psychoanalysis Tests Pe rc e nta ge (%
80
Table 4 shows the results for psychoanalysis tests: 42 (82%) out of 51 participants score index A which is balanced while only 9 (18%) falls in the category moderately balanced with index B, consequently, all 9 are left dominant. None of the participants score index C (unbalanced). Table 4.
Index A B C
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Count 42 9 0 0 0 51
PSD % o f C on fo rm ity 75 Arti fa ct R e m o ve d % o f Co nform ity 70
Ra w D a ta % o f Co nform ity
65
60
Results for psychoanalysis tests
Dominance 42 L 9 R 0 L 0 R 0 TOTAL
Delta Theta Alpha Beta 41 35 40 40 80 69 78 78 38 35 35 37 75 69 69 73 34 34 35 36 67 67 69 71
No of Conform PSD % Conform No of Conform Artifact Removed % Conform No of Conform Raw Data % Conform
D e lta
% 82 18 0 0 0
Th e ta
Alp ha
Be ta
Bra inw a ves Fre quenc y Band
Figure 6. Comparison of conformity between raw EEG analysis, PSD analysis and artifact removed analysis for each frequency band.
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Z H MURAT et al: THE CONFORMITY BETWEEN BRAINWAVE BALANCING INDEX (BBI) . . . thus, comformity is towards higher index compared to the lower index. This finding is in line with the result from [15] which shows that brainwaves from Electrical Engineering students tends to be more balanced than Sports Science students. Interestingly, all conforming participants with index B were left dominant.
Index from BBI system consists of outcomes from average EEG raw data (table 6), average after artifacts removal (table 7) and average after PSD analysis (table 8). Consequently, highest conformity results arrive from PSD analysis at 80% while raw data analysis gives the lowest conformity score of 55%. Conformity for artifact removal analysis stands at 76% as shown in table 7. Overall results reveal that conformity improved significantly after analyzing the EEG data using PSD (Fig. 7). Thus, PSD is an effective method to reduce artifacts in EEG signals for better results [4-5], [10], [14].
60
Number of conformity
40
Table 6. Conformity for EEG Raw Data Analysis
Index
Dominance
A B
25 L R L R
3 0 C 0 0 TOTAL PERCENTAGE
Dominance 39 L 0 R 0 C L 0 R 0 TOTAL PERCENTAGE
Table 8.
Index A B
Raw Data
25
no of conformity
3 0 0 0 28 55
percentage
PSD
Artifact Removed
28
41
39
55%
80%
76%
Figure 7. Comparison of conformity between raw EEG Data, PSD analysis and artifact removed analysis
VI.
CONCLUSION
This research ascertains the fundamental concept that through intelligent signal processing of brainwave signals from EEG, BBI system could be established. It has been shown that the PSD analysis provide reliable BBI with 80% conformity. Thus, the advantage of this research will be a novel and pioneer findings in terms of brainwave balancing index using EEG. Furthermore, the fundamental finding from this research can be served as a simple indicator for ones thinking (brain balancing index and brain dominance) leading to great opportunity for positive human potential development. The BBI system could be further improved by recording from more EEG channels and increasing the number of participants. Another aspect to investigate is to record EEG from the group of participants with unbalanced brainwaves (index C) to study the conformity of BBI system for this category.
Count 39 0 0 0 0 39 76
Conformity for PSD analysis
Dominance 41 L 0 R 0 C L 0 R 0 TOTAL PERCENTAGE
0
Count
Table 7. Conformity for artifact removed analysis
Index A B
20
Count 41 0 0 0 0 41 80
ACKNOWLEDGMENT The authors would like to express appreciation to all the staff at Biomedical Research and Development Laboratory for Human Potential, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA. This research receive grants partially from Universiti Teknologi MARA and from The Ministry of Science and Technology Malaysia.
The most striking result to emerge from the comparison between index from BBI system and index from Psychoanalysis Tests is that most participants score index A,
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Z H MURAT et al: THE CONFORMITY BETWEEN BRAINWAVE BALANCING INDEX (BBI) . . . [10] Z. Liu, L. Ding, "Integration of EEG/MEG with MRI and fMRI in Functional Neuroimaging," IEEE Eng MedBiological Magazine, vol. 25, pp. 46-53, 2006. [11] U. Will and E. Berg, "Brain Wave Synchronization and Entrainment to Periodic Acoustic Stimuli," Neuroscience Letters, vol. 424, pp. 55-60, 2007. [12] B.-S. Shim, S.-W. Lee, "Implementation of a 3 –Dimensional Game for Developing Balanced Brainwave," presented at 5th International Conference on Software Engineering Research, Management & Applications, 2007. [13] Rosihan M. Ali and Liew Kee Kor, “Association Between Brain Hemisphericity, Learning Styles and Confidence in Using Graphics Calculator for Mathematics”, Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education,vol. 3(2), pp127 -131, 2007. [14] A. Schlogl, C. Keinrath, D. Zimmermann, R. Scherer, R. Leeb, and G. Pfurtscheller, “A fully Automated correction method of EOG artifacts in EEG Recordings,“ Clinical Neurophysiology, vol.118, 2007, pp98-104. [15] Zunairah Haji Murat, Mohd Nasir Taib, Zodie Mohamed Hanafiah, Ros Shilawani S. Abdul Kadir and Husna Abdul Rahman, “Comparison of Brainwave Signals Between Electrical Engineering Students and Sport Science Students of Universiti Teknologi MARA Using EEG”, 4th International Colloquium on Signal Processing and its Applications, March 7-9, 2008, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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