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Evaluating the Alterations Induced by Virtual Reality in Cerebral Small-World Networks Using Graph Theory Analysis
Shan Yang1,2, Hyeon-Sik Hwang1, Bao-Hua Zhu1,2
1RFIC Center, Department of Electronic Engineering, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea.
Brain Sciences
|December 23, 2022
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) enhances brain network function by strengthening connections and improving network parameters. These topological improvements in the small-world brain network are observed in high-frequency bands and show lasting effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Virtual reality (VR) technology simulates immersive 3D environments, activating brain functions.
- The impact of VR on the dynamic alterations of functional brain networks, particularly small-world organization, needs further investigation.
- Understanding how VR stimuli affect neural pathways and network parameters is crucial for its application in cognitive enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the effect of immersive VR on the pathways and network parameters of the brain's small-world organization.
- To interpret the underlying mechanisms of VR's influence on functional brain networks.
- To analyze changes in functional network organization across different frequency bands during VR exposure.
Main Methods:
- Utilized electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity in 14 healthy volunteers during pre-VR, VR, and post-VR stages.
- Applied graph theory and mutual information analysis to assess functional network changes.
- Analyzed network parameters including betweenness centrality (BC), local segregation, and global integration across six frequency bands.
Main Results:
- VR stimulation significantly strengthened interactions between frontal and posterior brain areas, as well as within frontal and occipital lobes.
- Betweenness centrality analysis revealed more robust pathways among network hubs, with a notable lateralized increase in specific channels (O1 or O2).
- Network parameters demonstrated simultaneous improvements in local segregation, global segregation, and global integration, particularly in high-frequency bands.
Conclusions:
- Immersive VR significantly modulates the brain's functional small-world network organization, enhancing both local and global network properties.
- The observed improvements in network topology suggest VR's potential for cognitive enhancement and neuroplasticity.
- The topological improvements exhibit a degree of sustainability, indicating potential long-term effects of VR exposure on brain function.
