Question

In an electromyography experiment, explain why opening your eyes results in alpha block. Why was it necessary to achieve alpha block before continuing the next experiment in electromyography?

Answer 1

Alpha waves are produced in the state of full relaxation or relaxed wakefulness. Alpha waves are obtained when the eyes of the subject are closed. When they open their eyes, they become attentive to external stimuli and therefore the amplitude of alpha waves decrease. This is known as alpha block. So, in an electromyography experiment, opening eyes results in alpha block. It is necessary to achieve alpha block before continuing the next experiment in electromyography because alpha block resets all the values to the baseline.