Alpha power oscillation in the frontal cortex under bromazepam and modafinil effects

Abstract

Objective: Our aim was to investigate and compare the neuromodulatory effects of bromazepam (6 mg) and modafinil (200 mg) during a sensorimotor task analyzing the changes produced in the absolute alpha power. Method: The sample was composed of 15 healthy individuals exposed to three experimental conditions: placebo, modafinil and bromazepam. EEG data were recorded before, during and after the execution of the task. A three-way ANOVA was applied, in order to compare the absolute alpha power among the factors: Group (control, bromazepam and modafinil) Condition (Pre and Post-drug ingestion) and Moment (pre and post-stimulus). Results: Interaction was found between the group and condition factors for Fp1, F4 and F3. We observed a main effect of moment and condition for the Fp2, F8 and Fz electrodes. Conclusion: We concluded that drugs may interfere in sensorimotor processes, such as in the performance of tasks carried out in an unpredictable scenario.