The application of variance analysis to the study of biological rhythms of known periods

Abstract

This paper describes a statistical technique which permits study of, for example, complex biological rhythms with a known fundamental period. This technique uses the principles of variance analysis. The main calculation phases are: the regression calculation on a periodic time function; the study (by variance analysis) of the validity of the mathematical model; the study of the parallelism between subjects; and, finally, the study of the significance of each harmonic component. The calculation is completed by determining confidence intervals: those of the harmonic function parameters, followed by those of the function extremes.