Electroencephalogram spectral power changes signalling the loss of volitional control induced by propofol: a secondary analysis of an observational study in spinal surgery patients
Authors' conclusion
The present observations with high temporal resolution show that an inverse relationship between beta and delta EEG power bands signals LVC induced by propofol and that a robust association exists between LVC and the delta power maximum.
Study context
- Population
- Spinal surgery patients and controls undergoing propofol induction (1.0 mg·kg-1·min-1 iv) while holding a 0.5-kg cylinder
- Participants
- 12 vs 11
- Comparison
- Spinal surgery vs Controls
- Spinal surgeryn = 12
- Controlsn = 11
- Primary endpoint
- EEG spectral power changes most reliably signalling loss of volitional control (LVC; drop of the cylinder)
Methodological detailsstructural breakpoint analysis, segmented linear regression, coherence analysis (Rayleigh test)
- Structural breakpoint analysis
- Segmented linear regression
- Coherence analysis (Rayleigh test)
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
EEG spectral power changes around LVC
- Initial increase in beta (18-25 Hz) power before loss of volitional control (LVC)
- 145 sec
- Increase in delta (1-4 Hz) power and decrease in beta power linked; inverse relationship in all patients
- P < 0.001
- Correlation of LVC time with delta power plateau breakpoint
- R2 = 0.85; P < 0.001
- Correlation of LVC time with beta power nadir breakpoint
- R2 = 0.66; P < 0.05
- Correlation of LVC time with gamma power nadir breakpoint
- R2 = 0.79; P < 0.01
Original publication
Electroencephalogram spectral power changes signalling the loss of volitional control induced by propofol: a secondary analysis of an observational study in spinal surgery patients. Can J Anaesth. Published 20 April 2026. doi:10.
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