Transient Arousal Modulations Contribute to Resting-State Functional Connectivity Changes Associated with Head Motion...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Psychophysiology

Background:

• Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) is crucial for mapping brain connectivity.
• Observed associations between rsfMRI connectivity and head motion raise concerns about data validity.
• The relationship between motion artifacts, arousal, and brain connectivity requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the origin of the association between rsfMRI connectivity and head motion.
• To explore the role of arousal modulations in this observed relationship.
• To provide insights for accurate interpretation of rsfMRI findings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) data.
• Employed a template-matching method to identify arousal-related fMRI changes.
• Analyzed the temporal overlap between high motion periods and arousal-affected time points.

Main Results:

• High motion time points significantly overlap with arousal-affected time points in rsfMRI data.
• The rsfMRI-motion association is largely explained by comodulations during transient arousal changes.
• Head motion does not appear to have a direct causal effect on rsfMRI connectivity.

Conclusions:

• The link between rsfMRI connectivity and head motion stems from shared modulation by arousal.
• Understanding this relationship is critical for interpreting motion-associated connectivity changes.
• This knowledge aids in controlling for arousal's confounding effects on rsfMRI metrics.