Statistical brain topographic mapping analysis for EEGs recorded during Qi Gong state

Spontaneous EEGs recorded with 12 channels (International 10-20 system) on the scalp were analyzed by statistical brain topographic mapping (t-test and correlation coefficient topographic mappings) to reveal changes of the electrical activity in the brain during Qi Gong state. The control subjects and two groups of masters and beginners in accordance with the time and the skilled degree practising Qi Gong were compared. The changes of EEGs of the Qi Gong masters during the Qi Gong state were clearly different from those recorded during the resting state with closed eyes. The EEG alpha activity occurred predominantly in the anterior half, and occurred silently in the posterior half of the brain during Qi Gong state. The peak frequency of EEG alpha rhythm during Qi Gong state was slower than resting state without practicing Qi Gong. The results of the t-test and correlation coefficient topographic mappings showed this finding quantitatively and statistically significant. The changes in EEG between resting and Qi Gong state for Qi Gong masters appear to be opposite. This findings indicates that Qi Gong state is a special and unusual state and this state is not an inherent state existing in each person. The occurrence of this phenomenon of EEG depends on the duration and the skilled degree of the practising Qi Gong.

Int J Neurosci. 1988 Feb;38(3-4):415-25. Zhang JZ, Li JZ, He QN. Computer Laboratory, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China.