EEG-Meta-Microstates: Towards a More Objective Use of Resting-State EEG Microstate Findings Across Studies

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Psychology

Background:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) resting-state microstate analysis has gained significant traction.
• Associations between microstate classes and biological/psychological traits are emerging.
• Current cross-study comparisons of microstate maps lack systematic procedures, relying on subjective visual inspection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel tool for systematic collection and comparison of EEG resting-state microstate template maps.
• To enhance the reliability and validity of microstate research by standardizing map comparison.
• To facilitate the extraction of findings associated with specific microstate maps from published literature.

Main Methods:

• Development of a tool to systematically collect and analyze EEG microstate template map data.
• Creation of a matrix of spatial similarity for comparing maps across studies.
• Inclusion of 40 published sets of microstate template maps for analysis.

Main Results:

• High spatial similarity was observed among template maps from different studies.
• Converging empirical findings were associated with spatially similar microstate maps.
• Representative meta-microstates could be extracted from individual study data.

Conclusions:

• The developed tool enables a systematic and objective approach to EEG microstate analysis.
• The findings support the existence of consistent microstate patterns across studies.
• This methodology promises a more comprehensive and objective representation of microstate research findings.