Difference in Brain Connectivity and Working Memory in College StudentsBefore and After a Silent Rest Using EEG

Abstract

This pilot study investigated the effects of a silent rest period on neural connectivity and working memory in college students using EEG analysis. Participants completed a series of Backwards Corsi Tasks before and after a five-minute rest while brain activity was monitored. The results showed consistent engagement of the occipital lobe across all trials and notable shifts in parietal and frontal lobe activation after the rest. Post-rest performance showed an increase in working memory scores along with signs of increased cognitive control and decreased mental fatigue in early trials. These findings suggest that short periods of silent rest may enhance cognitive performance and could inform future educational and neurological research.