Resting-State Electroencephalogram Microstate and Correlations with Motor Function and Balance in Chronic Stroke

Objective: This study aimed to compare electroencephalogram microstates of patients with chronic stroke to healthy subjects and correlated microstates with clinical and functional characteristics in stroke. Methods: This cross-sectional, exploratory and correlational study was performed with chronic stroke patients (n = 27) and healthy subjects (n = 27) matched for age and gender. We recorded electroencephalography microstates using 32 channels during eyes-closed and eyes-open conditions and analyzed the four classic microstates maps (A, B, C, D). Post-stroke participants were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale and the Fugl-Meyer Scale. All participants were assessed for cognitive function, fear of falling, and static balance. Student's t-test was used to compare groups and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations between microstates parameters and stroke-related clinical outcomes. Results: In the eyes-open condition, moderate correlations were observed between the duration of microstate C and functional disability. In the eyes-closed condition, moderate correlations were observed between the coverage of microstate C, the occurrence of microstate C and D, and the duration of microstate B with functional aspects (eg, lower limb motor function, balance, functional disability, and fear of falling). Conclusions: Changes in microstates and correlations between topographies and clinical and functional aspects suggest that electroencephalogram could be used as a biomarker in stroke patients.