Demystifying EEG: What the SenzeBand is Really Measuring

In today’s fast-paced world, understanding our mental health — and what our EEG brainwaves can reveal about focus, stress, and cognitive performance —and the state of our brains has never been more critical. With rising levels of stress, anxiety, and cognitive demands in both our personal and professional lives, having objective insights into our mental wellness is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. The ability to measure and monitor our brain activity [such as those in our prefrontal cortex and temporal lobe] in real-time offers unprecedented opportunities to take proactive control of our mental well-being.

Enter the Neeuro SenzeBand 2, a sophisticated yet accessible brain-computer interface that brings the power of electroencephalography (EEG) measurement out of the laboratory and into our daily lives.

Understanding EEG: The Brain’s Electrical Language Explained

Electroencephalography (EEG) measures the electrical activity produced by our brains. Every thought, emotion, and action we experience is accompanied by patterns of electrical signals between neurons. The SenzeBand 2 captures these signals through seven strategically positioned dry electrodes, translating the complex electrical symphony of your brain into meaningful, actionable data.

The Electrode Configuration: Precision Placement for Comprehensive Monitoring

The SenzeBand 2 features a carefully designed electrode array:

Frontal Electrodes (Prefrontal Cortex):

Fp1 (Channel 1 — Frontal Left): Positioned on the left prefrontal cortex
Fp2 (Channel 2 — Frontal Right): Positioned on the right prefrontal cortex
Fpz (Reference Electrode): Central reference point

Temporal Lobe Electrodes:

T3 (Channel 4 — Temporal Left): Positioned on the left temporal region
T4 (Channel 3 — Temporal Right): Positioned on the right temporal region

This configuration isn’t arbitrary. The prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in executive functions such as attention, decision-making, and emotional regulation, whilst the temporal lobes are involved in memory processing, auditory perception, and emotional responses. By monitoring these regions simultaneously, the SenzeBand 2 provides a comprehensive window into your mental states.

Decoding the Five Frequency Bands: Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Waves

The SenzeBand 2 captures brainwave activity across five distinct frequency bands, each revealing different aspects of your mental state. Operating at 250 samples per second with 24-bit resolution, the device provides remarkably precise measurements.

Delta Waves (1–4 Hz)

What they represent: The slowest brainwaves, predominantly present during deep, dreamless sleep.

In the frontal regions (Fp1, Fp2): Elevated delta activity in the prefrontal cortex during waking hours may indicate extreme fatigue or reduced alertness. In healthy adults, delta waves should be minimal when awake.

In the temporal regions (T3, T4): Delta activity in the temporal lobes is more common in infants and decreases with age. High delta during wakefulness may suggest cognitive processing issues or excessive drowsiness.

Clinical significance: Whilst delta waves are normal during sleep, their presence during waking hours can indicate the need for rest and recovery.

Theta Waves (4–8 Hz)

What they represent: Associated with deep relaxation, meditation, creativity, and intuition.

In the frontal regions (Fp1, Fp2): Theta activity in the prefrontal cortex is linked to working memory and emotional processing. Studies demonstrate a strong correlation between theta activation and working memory capacity, making these measurements valuable for cognitive training.

In the temporal regions (T3, T4): Temporal theta waves relate to memory consolidation, emotional experiences, and creative thinking. Enhanced theta activity here may indicate a state conducive to learning and emotional insight.

Practical application: The SenzeBand 2 leverages theta measurements to enhance mental imagery, creativity, and deep relaxation exercises.

Alpha Waves (8–13 Hz)

What they represent: The hallmark of a relaxed yet alert state, often called “wakeful rest”.

In the frontal regions (Fp1, Fp2): Alpha waves in the prefrontal cortex indicate mental calmness and reduced anxiety. Research shows that activities like meditation and mindfulness increase alpha wave amplitude, helping to reduce stress levels and promote a sense of wellbeing.

In the temporal regions (T3, T4): Alpha activity in the temporal regions is associated with reduced sensory processing, characteristic of a calm, internally focused state. Asymmetry between left and right temporal alpha can relate to emotional processing and mood regulation.

Wellness impact: The ability to increase alpha waves through guided exercises is a cornerstone of stress management. Higher alpha power correlates with reduced feelings of anxiety and enhanced focus.

Beta Waves (12–30 Hz)

What they represent: Active thinking, focus, alertness, and normal waking consciousness.

In the frontal regions (Fp1, Fp2): Beta activity in the prefrontal cortex is generally associated with attention and cognitive engagement. Research confirms that beta waves increase when individuals pay attention and engage in mental tasks. However, excessively high beta may indicate stress, anxiety, or an inability to relax.

In the temporal regions (T3, T4): Beta waves in the temporal regions relate to active auditory processing and language comprehension. Balanced beta activity suggests effective information processing.

Performance monitoring: The SenzeBand 2 uses beta wave measurements to assess mental workload and attention levels, providing real-time feedback for optimising cognitive performance.

Gamma Waves (30–40 Hz)

What they represent: The fastest brainwaves, linked to high-level information processing, concentration, and peak cognitive performance.

In the frontal regions (Fp1, Fp2): Gamma activity in the prefrontal cortex is associated with complex problem-solving and peak concentration. However, sustained high gamma can also indicate stress or high arousal states.

In the temporal regions (T3, T4): Gamma oscillations in the temporal regions relate to sensory binding and integrating information from different brain areas. They’re essential for coherent perception and consciousness.

Key insight: Whilst brief increases in gamma are positive for demanding tasks, chronically elevated gamma may signal stress or cognitive overload.

From Raw EEG Data to Mental States: How AI Interprets Brainwave Patterns

The true innovation of the SenzeBand 2 lies not just in capturing these brainwave frequencies, but in interpreting them through sophisticated machine learning algorithms powered by NeeuroOS. The device translates complex frequency patterns across multiple channels into readily understandable mental states:

Attention: By analysing beta wave activity primarily from the frontal electrodes, the system provides real-time feedback on your focus and concentration levels. Studies have validated the correlation between specific EEG biomarkers and attention, enabling effective attention training programmes.

Relaxation: Drawing primarily on alpha wave measurements, the device assesses your relaxation state, helping you understand when you’ve achieved optimal calm and when stress may be affecting you.

Mental Workload: By synthesising data across multiple frequency bands, the SenzeBand 2 estimates your cognitive load, alerting you when you might be approaching mental fatigue.

Stress and Fatigue: Patterns of gamma activity combined with other frequency bands provide insights into stress levels and the need for rest.

Why This Matters: Mental Health in the Modern Age

The statistics are sobering. Mental health challenges are on the rise globally, with stress, anxiety, and burnout reaching epidemic proportions. According to the World Health Organisation, depression and anxiety cost the global economy approximately $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. In the workplace, cognitive performance and mental well-being directly impact not just individual success but organisational effectiveness.

The ability to objectively measure our mental states represents a paradigm shift in how we approach mental wellness. Rather than relying solely on subjective feelings, we can now:

Gain objective insights into our mental states throughout the day
Identify patterns that may indicate stress or declining cognitive performance
Track the effectiveness of interventions like meditation, breathing exercises, or cognitive training
Take proactive steps to maintain mental wellness before reaching crisis points
Personalise approaches to stress management and cognitive enhancement based on individual brain patterns

Real-World Applications: Beyond the Basics

The SenzeBand 2’s capabilities extend far beyond simple monitoring. When paired with applications like Galini, the device enables:

Adaptive stress management: The system monitors your mental state in real-time and adapts relaxation exercises accordingly, using dynamic audio frequencies (binaural beats) that respond to your specific needs at any given moment.

Cognitive training: Applications like Memorie leverage EEG biomarkers to provide adaptive brain training, adjusting difficulty based on your attention levels and cognitive load to optimise learning outcomes.

Biofeedback interventions: Real-time brainwave feedback allows you to learn to consciously influence your mental states, developing greater control over attention, relaxation, and emotional regulation.

The Technical Edge: Professional-Grade Specifications

The SenzeBand 2 delivers laboratory-quality measurements in a consumer-friendly form:

Sampling rate: 250 samples per second per channel
Resolution: 24-bit (0.02235μV precision)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless integration
Battery life: Up to 6 hours of continuous use
Additional sensors: PPG sensor for heart rate and oxygen saturation, plus IMU sensors for head motion tracking

This combination of high-resolution EEG with physiological monitoring provides a comprehensive picture of both brain and body states.

Taking Control of Your Mental Wellness

Understanding what the SenzeBand 2 measures — and why it matters — empowers you to take meaningful action towards better mental health. In an era where we meticulously track our physical fitness with steps, heart rate, and calories, it’s time we applied the same rigour to our mental fitness.

The brain is not a black box. With tools like the SenzeBand 2, we can peer inside, understand our mental patterns, and actively shape our cognitive and emotional wellbeing. Whether you’re seeking to manage stress, enhance focus, improve sleep, or simply gain deeper self-awareness, EEG technology offers a scientifically validated pathway to a healthier mind.

The question is no longer whether we can measure and improve our mental states — we demonstrably can. The real question is: will you take advantage of this opportunity to invest in your most valuable asset — your brain?

NOTE:

The contents in this blog is based on an article previously published on LinkedIn, with minor revisions for clarity and accessibility.
Original content: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/demystifying-eeg-what-senzeband-really-measuring-alvin-chan-phd-si5pc/?trackingId=bddQI3foWEyFrRqxcUvnZw%3D%3D

References

Neeuro. (2023). SenzeBand 2 Product Catalogue. Retrieved from https://www.neeuro.com/senzeband
Neeuro. (2023). White Paper: Memorie 2.0 — Improving Cognitive Health with Gamification and EEG.
Neeuro. (2025). MindViewer Guide: Consumer Edition.
Neeuro. (2022). NeeuroOS Catalogue — Platform Documentation.
Neeuro. (2023). Galini 1.4 Documentation — Stress Management Solution.
Cavanagh, J. F., & Frank, M. J. (2014). Frontal theta as a mechanism for cognitive control. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 18(8), 414–421.
Klimesch, W. (2012). Alpha-band oscillations, attention, and controlled access to stored information. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 16(12), 606–617.
World Health Organisation. (2022). Mental Health in the Workplace. Information sheet