EEG-based index for engagement level monitoring during sustained attention

Abstract

This paper investigates the relation between mental engagement level and sustained attention in 9 healthy adults performing a Conners' "not-X" continuous performance test (CPT), while their electroencephalographic (EEG) activity was simultaneously acquired. Spectral powers were estimated and extracted in the classical EEG frequency bands. The engagement index (beta/alpha) was calculated employing four different cortical montages suggested by the literature.