Inclusive mobile brain-body imaging achieves equivalent EEG data quality across racial groups
Sodiq Fakorede1, Ke Liao2, KathleenMae Rogers1
1Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America.
PLOS Digital Health
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Inclusive hardware and culturally sensitive protocols enable equitable electroencephalography (EEG) data quality across racial groups during dynamic Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) tasks. This overcomes historical underrepresentation in cognitive neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Electroencephalography (EEG) research historically excludes individuals with textured hair, limiting study generalizability.
- Inclusive hardware and culturally sensitive procedures are proposed solutions but lack validation in dynamic settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if equitable electroencephalography (EEG) data quality can be achieved across racial groups during a complex Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) paradigm.
- To validate inclusive hardware and culturally sensitive protocols in dynamic research settings.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 34 older adults (17 racially and ethnically underrepresented groups [REUG], 17 White).
- Participants completed an auditory oddball task while sitting and standing, with EEG recorded using dry-brush electrodes and culturally sensitive procedures.
- Event-related potential (ERP) data quality was assessed using Standardized Measurement Error (SME) for P3 amplitude and latency.
Main Results:
- Total EEG data loss was comparable between White (8.29%) and REUG (9.88%) participants (p=0.91).
- No significant group differences or group-by-condition interactions were found for SME measures (all p>0.05).
- Equivalence testing confirmed statistically equivalent SME for P3 amplitude and latency in 16 of 18 comparisons.
Conclusions:
- Equitable ERP data quality is achievable across racial groups during active MoBI using inclusive hardware and culturally sensitive protocols.
- Technological barriers to inclusivity in cognitive neuroscience are surmountable with appropriate methods.
- Findings enable more inclusive and generalizable cognitive neuroscience research.
