Evaluation of Module Dynamics in Functional Brain Networks After Stroke

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging
• Network Science

Background:

• Brain functional networks exhibit modular organization.
• Previous static analyses suggested decreased modularity after stroke.
• Dynamic changes in brain network modularity post-stroke remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate dynamic changes in brain functional network modularity following stroke.
• To analyze how stroke severity influences these dynamic network alterations.
• To explore the relationship between dynamic module interactions and clinical symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Collected resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) data from 15 stroke patients and 15 healthy controls.
• Classified stroke patients into mild (n=6) and severe (n=9) subgroups based on clinical symptoms.
• Applied a multilayer network model to detect dynamic modular structures and calculate interaction measures.

Main Results:

• Stroke significantly altered brain network module structure and interaction dynamics.
• Mild stroke patients showed significantly lower between-module interaction compared to severe patients and controls.
• Severe stroke patients exhibited remarkably lower within-module interaction and overall reduced interaction versus controls.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic module interaction analysis reveals stroke-induced changes in brain network organization.
• Alterations in module interaction are dependent on stroke clinical severity.
• Findings offer insights into post-stroke functional plasticity and potential rehabilitation strategies.