Resting brain activity: Differences between genders

▶ This study investigated electrophysiological (EEG) and hemodynamic (near infrared spectroscopy - NIRS) measures as a function of gender in normal adult individuals. The EEG data analysis was based on the resting eyes closed brain activity of 300 respondents (160 females). The NIRS analyses was based on 155 respondents (88 females). ▶ The results showed rather robust gender differences in measures of brain activity based on electrophysiological and hemodynamic principles, which could be summarized as follows: In summary, the results of the present study indicated that males and females significantly differ in the default mode of brain activity. The differences showed a rather complex pattern, suggesting that several differences between males and females in behavior might have their sources in the activity of the resting brain. Thus, when studying gender related differences in neuronal activity under cognitive load more emphasis should be paid to the activity in the resting brain.