Quantifying Mental Relaxation with EEG for use in Computer Games.

Abstract

Abstract- The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of implementing electroencephalographic (EEG) based measurement of mental relaxation as an interface for a simple computer game. In this game, a simulated ball is controlled to move left or right based on player’s mental relaxation level. EEG data, blood pressure, heart rate and subjective perception of relaxation were recorded from 10 subjects, participating in 9 different activities. ANOVA with repeated measures was carried out on 9 different EEG indices to identify the indices that are most capable of distinguishing between the various relaxation levels. The results showed that EEG detected difference in relaxation levels that was undetected by blood pressure and heart rate measurement. The analysis of the EEG indices showed that the sum of indices such as alpha+theta, and alpha+beta+theta were good indices for measurement of relaxation.