The Complex-Pole Filter Representation (COFRE) for spectral modeling of fNIRS signals

Abstract

The complex-pole frequency representation (COFRE) is introduced in this paper as a new approach for spectrum modeling in biomedical signals. Our method allows us to estimate the spectral power density at precise frequencies using an array of narrow band-pass filters with single complex poles. Closed-form expressions for the frequency resolution and transient time response of the proposed filters have also been formulated. In addition, COFRE filters have a constant time and space complexity allowing their use in real-time environments. Our model was applied to identify frequency markers that characterize tinnitus in very-low-frequency oscillations within functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) signals. We examined data from six patients with subjective tinnitus and seven healthy participants as a control group. A significant decrease in the spectrum power was observed in tinnitus patients in the left temporal lobe. In particular, we identified several tinnitus signatures in the spectral hemodynamic information, including (a.) a significant spectrum difference in one specific harmonic in the metabolic/endothelial frequency region, at 7mHz, for both chromophores and hemispheres; and (b.) a significant differences in the range 30-50mHz in the neurogenic/myogenic band.