Test-retest reliability
Research Papers
Validity and Reliability of Quantitative Electroencephalography
Reliability and validity are statistical concepts that are reviewed and then applied to the field of quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). The review of the scientific literature demonstrated high levels of split-half and test–retest reliability of qEEG and convincing content and predictive validity as well as other forms of validity. QEEG is distinguished fromnonquantitative EEG (“eyeball” examination of EEG traces), with the latter showing low reliability (e.g., 0.2–0.29) and poor interrater agreement for nonepilepsy evaluation. In contrast, qEEG is greater than 0.9 reliable with as little as 40-s epochs and remains stable with high test–retest reliability over many days and weeks. Predictive validity of qEEG is established by significant and replicable correlations with clinical measures and accurate predictions of outcome and performance on neuropsychological tests. In contrast, non-qEEG or eyeball visual examination of the EEG traces in cases of nonepilepsy has essentially zero predictive validity. Content validity of qEEG is established by correlations with independent measures such as the MRI, PET and SPECT, the Glasgow Coma Score, neuropsychological tests, and so on, where the scientific literature again demonstrates significant correlations between qEEG and independent measures known to be related to various clinical disorders. The ability to test and evaluate the concepts of reliability and validity are demonstrated by mathematical proof and simulation where one can demonstrate test–retest reliability as well as zero physiological validity of coherence and phase differences when using an average reference and Laplacian montage.
View Full Paper →Test-retest reliability in EEG frequency analysis
This study was performed to gain a better understanding of EEG frequency analysis test-retest reliability in normal healthy adults, and to evaluate factors which could influence the measured inter-record differences. Nineteen subjects underwent serial EEG recordings at 5 min and 12–16 week intervals. Records were visually edited using a standardized protocol, and FFT frequency analysis performed on segments of 60, 40, or 20 sec total length. Correlation coefficients for broad band features averaged 0.92 over the 5 min retest interval and 0.84 over the 12–16 week interval. There was essentially no difference between correlation coefficients of absolute and relative power features. Coefficients based on 60 sec records were marginally higher than those of 40 or 20 sec records. On the other hand, test-retest percent differences were typically lower for relative as opposed to absolute power features, and 60 sec records showed consistently lower percent differences than did 40 or particularly 20 sec records. Peak alpha frequency and mean frequency were the most stable EEG features at either interval. Montage had significant effects on test-retest differences at the 12–16 week interval. A significant association between intra-record and inter-record variability could not be demonstrated.
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