A statistical test for evaluating the Event-Related Synchronization/Desynchronization and its potential use in Brain-Computer-Interfaces

Abstract

In the present work, the sampling distribution of a commonly used index for evaluating the Event-Related Synchronization and Desynchronization (ERS/ERD) is derived, based on a direct relationship between it and a statistical test for assessing whether two sample spectra have the same theoretical spectrum. The distribution obtained is closely related to the noncentral F distribution. Based on such sampling distribution, critical values as well as confidence limits for the index may be obtained and hence ERS/ERD can now be evaluated under a statistical basis. An example of the technique was also provided in the EEG signals from 10 normal subjects during intermittent photic stimulation. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.