SVM classification of EEG signal to analyze the effect of OM Mantra meditation on the brain

Chanting the OM mantra for 30 minutes produces significant changes in the delta brainwave band, which is associated with deep sleep, suggesting that OM meditation induces a deep-sleep-like state. Twenty-three novice meditators had their EEG signals recorded before and after chanting. Using stationary wavelet transform to extract five frequency bands and an SVM classifier with a radial basis kernel, the delta band showed the most notable shifts. This indicates that even brief OM mantra practice can alter brain activity toward a restful state.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Meditation can significantly contribute to improving physical and mental health in modern stressful life. "OM" mantra is very easy to practice for meditation .This study is undertaken to classify the EEG band to observe abrupt changes in band as an effect of Om mantra meditation. Twenty-three naive meditators were experimented to chant OM mantra for 30 min and EEG signal recorded before and after meditation. The stationary wavelet transform is used to exact five bands from the EEG. The different statistical features were calculated. SVM classifier with Radial Basis Kernel is employed to classify the band. Results show the significant changes in the delta band which represent the brain in deep sleep. Thus OM meditation gives the experience of deep sleep. Thus study can be helpful to give new direction towards the meditation.