Nonlinear analysis of physiological time series

Abstract

Biological systems and processes are inherently complex, nonlinear and nonstationary, and that is why nonlinear time series analysis has emerged as a novel methodology over the past few decades. The aim of this chapter is to provide a review of main approaches of nonlinear analysis (fractal analysis, chaos theory, complexity measures) in physiological research, from system modeling to methodological analysis and clinical applications. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.