Electroencephalogram of Normotensive Individuals During Sitting and Standing Blood Pressure Measurement Positions

Background Investigating changes in brain electroencephalogram activity during blood pressure measurement in sitting and standing positions is clinically significant for understanding the neural correlates of postural changes, which may affect cerebral perfusion and autonomic regulation. Shifts in blood pressure can influence visual cortical activity, potentially altering cognitive and sensory processing. This research holds clinical relevance in evaluating disorders like orthostatic hypotension and syncope, where postural changes compromise cerebral blood flow. Furthermore, it can help refine diagnostic protocols and management strategies for neurovascular and autonomic dysfunction. The study also highlighted the possibility of using polygraphs to identify and manage discrepancies in blood pressure measurement caused by posture-induced changes in brain activities for accurate diagnosis. Methodology The electroencephalogram of healthy normotensive female individuals undergoing blood pressure measurements at sitting and standing positions was investigated. Ten healthy young adult females who satisfy the inclusion criteria were selected. Electroencephalographic (EEG) waves were recorded with the aid of Powerlab 26T (ADInstruments Pty Ltd., Bella Vista, Australia). Blood pressure and pulse rate measurements were conducted using a sphygmomanometer and stopwatch. Results During sitting and standing blood pressure positions, diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate were higher when compared to baseline values but the standing blood pressure position showed a higher pulse rate than the sitting blood pressure position. Although alpha wave frequency was higher during both sitting and standing blood pressure measurement positions, the standing blood pressure position caused lower alpha wave frequency when compared with the sitting blood pressure measurement position. While a strong negative correlation was found between alpha wave frequency and pulse rate, beta wave frequency positively correlated with pulse rate during sitting blood pressure measurement position. Furthermore, during standing blood pressure measurement position, the alpha wave did not correlate with pulse rate nor was there a correlation between beta wave frequency and pulse rate. In conclusion, the present study indicated that both sitting and standing blood pressure measurement positions caused a decrease in alpha wave frequency when compared with baseline, but the standing blood pressure measurement position elicited a lower alpha wave frequency when compared with the sitting blood pressure measurement position.