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Updated: Oct 12, 2025

Microstate and Omega Complexity Analyses of the Resting-state Electroencephalography
Published on: June 15, 2018
Relationship between Spatiotemporal Dynamics of the Brain at Rest and Self-Reported Spontaneous Thoughts: An EEG
Povilas Tarailis1, Dovilė Šimkutė1, Thomas Koenig2
1Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biosciences, Vilnius University, Sauletekio ave 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania.
Rationale:
The resting-state paradigm is frequently applied in electroencephalography (EEG) research; however, it is associated with the inability to control participants' thoughts. To quantify subjects' subjective experiences at rest, the Amsterdam Resting-State Questionnaire (ARSQ) was introduced covering ten dimensions of mind wandering. We aimed to estimate associations between subjective experiences and resting-state microstates of EEG.
Methods:
5 min resting-state EEG data of 197 subjects was used to evaluate temporal properties of seven microstate classes. Bayesian correlation approach was implemented to assess associations between ARSQ domains assessed after resting and parameters of microstates.
Results:
Several associations between Comfort, Self and Somatic Awareness domains and temporal properties of neuroelectric microstates were revealed. The positive correlation between Comfort and duration of microstates E showed the strongest evidence (BF10 > 10); remaining correlations showed substantial evidence (10 > BF10 > 3).
Conclusion:
Our study indicates the relevance of assessments of spontaneous thought occurring during the resting-state for the understanding of the intrinsic brain activity reflected in microstates.

