Effect of Meditation on Varying Concentration in Non-meditators estimated through Hjorth Parameters of EEG Signal

Non-meditators who focus on their breathing for five minutes show changes in brain waves that indicate reduced stress and enhanced relaxation and concentration, even though their concentration fluctuates. The study used EEG signals and Hjorth parameters to observe brain activity during this brief meditation practice.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Practice of meditation reduces psychological stress of an individual, simultaneously increasing attention level. Dedicated practitioners of meditation are less affected by mental stress and also have a strong focus level. Non-meditators, on the other hand, cannot maintain their concentration at a fixed level. Due to this, they are more prone to stress as their minds constantly drift from one thought to the next. Also, practicing long-term meditation initially will be difficult for non-meditators. Instead, a brief and easy meditation form will be ideal for them. Focusing the breathing pattern of oneself for a brief period of time will serve as suitable meditation practice for non-meditators. This work observes the changes in brain waves of non-meditators while focusing on breathing for five minutes. To quantify changes in the human brain, the EEG signal needs to be studied as it provides insights into the underlying changes in the human brain during a particular phase. Analyzing statistical properties of EEG signals through Hjorth parameters evaluation assists in deciphering and understanding brain activity. In this work, the effect of breathe-focus meditation on concentration level in non-meditators has been observed by interpreting the changes of EEG signal through Hjorth parameters. From the results, it can be inferred that although concentration fluctuates in non-meditators, meditation still helps to reduce stress and enhance relaxation and concentration.