[Alpha-rhythm of the EEG in directed attention]

Degree of manifestation and synchronization of rhythmic alpha-range components in various cortical areas was studied in healthy adult subjects in conditions of controlled computer experiment by spectral-correlation method of EEG analysis during directed attention previous to discrimination of tactile, auditory and visual stimuli. The obtained results show that in preparation for discrimination of heteromodal stimuli, specific reconstructions take place of alpha-range electrical activity determined by signal modality. These changes are expressed in a local increase of the degree of synchronization of alpha oscillations in those projection and associative brain areas which are connected with the analysis of the given stimuli. Functional significance of these reconstructions is seen in the fact that they are significantly more expressed at correct recognition. A hypothesis is suggested about participation of the alpha-range in neurophysiological mechanisms of directed attention.