Fractal Dimension Analysis Demonstrates Overestimation and Underestimation of Time in EEG Signal

Keeping track of time is regarded as an essential human behavior. The question of how the brain deals with temporal information remains a subject of scholarly debate. The current investigation aims to explore the mechanism underlying time perception by extracting fractal dimension from an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal and its frequency bands. To accomplish this, Higuchi’s fractal dimension was calculated for 42 healthy subjects’ electroencephalogram (EEG) signal and its sub-bands during the time perception task. The EEG signal was recorded from 19 channels. Subsequently, a statistical analysis was conducted to compare participants who underestimated versus those who overestimated the elapsed time and significantly different channels were presented. The findings suggest an elevated level of fractal dimensionality in persons who displayed a tendency to overestimate time. The EEG signal and Gamma rhythm emerged as the most distinguishing signals between the two cohorts. The contrast in fractal dimension between the two groups was predominantly apparent in the parietal and central channels. To summarize, an increased level of complexity is discernible in the EEG signal and high-frequency rhythms when there is an overestimation of temporal duration. It can be asserted that the employment of FD yields presents an exceptional approach to comprehending cerebral functionalities, notably temporal perception.