An Electroencephalographic Study of Brain Activity Produced by Postural Change from Supine to Sitting Position

Abstract

This study examined the effect of sitting positions on cerebral activation for people in bed and analyzed postural significance. The subjects were 30 healthy adults. We recorded their EEGs in α and β band and performed a subjective test in supine and sitting positions with the head of the bed elevated at 30° and 80°. First, measurements were made in the supine position for 5 minutes, and the head of the bed was then elevated. Measurement continued in the sitting position for 15 minutes at 3 stages: Stages 1, 2, and 3. Using the supine position as a baseline, we compared the supine and sitting positions. We also compared the two angles, 30° and 80°. The EEG showed a significant increase at the 80° for all measured regions and intervals, and a partially significant increase was noted at 30°. Comparing the effect of different angles confirmed the significance of 80° at Stages 1 and 2. Moreover retention time of cerebral activation at 80° is longer than that at 30°. The subjective test also confirmed a higher degree of awakening in the sitting position and in a bed at 80°. Consequently, the effect of the sitting position verified cerebral activation.