Effects of Raga Kirwani on EEG Microstates: An Inquiry of Brain Network Dynamics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.13.2.127Keywords:
Microstates, EEG, Music training, Raga Kirwani, resting-state, Indian classical music, cognitive flexibility, DMN, music neuroscienceAbstract
The raga system of Indian classical music has long been associated with emotional and cognitive regulations, but its effect on large-scale brain networks is still not adequately explored. This study sought to examine the impact of Raga Kirwani on resting-state brain dynamics using EEG microstate analysis. A within-subject approach was utilized with 10 healthy adult volunteers (M = 20.5 years, SD = 3.32). EEG data were acquired prior to and after a 5-min listening session of Raga Kirwani. Microstate characteristics, such as mean duration, occurrence, coverage, global explained variance (GEV), and transition probabilities, were obtained using the MICROSTATE toolbox in EEGLAB. Results indicated a decline in coverage of microstate B, reduced transition from C to B, and increased transition from C to D—a reduction in visual-spatial processing and an increase in executive activities. Although early, these findings offer basic evidence that Indian classical music may in fact function as a culturally ingrained instrument of mental alignment and control. Subsequent research with larger sample size and control is needed to expand upon these findings.
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