A Graph Theory-Based Modeling of Functional Brain Connectivity Based on EEG: A Systematic Review in the Context of Neuroergonomics

Lina Elsherif Ismail,Waldemar Karwowski

doi:10.1109/access.2020.3018995

Lina Elsherif Ismail, Waldemar Karwowski

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2020.3018995

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Abstract

Graph theory analysis, a mathematical approach, has been applied in brain connectivity studies to explore the organization of network patterns. The computation of graph theory metrics enables the characterization of the stationary behavior of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals that cannot be explained by simple linear methods. The main purpose of this study was to systematically review the graph theory applications for mapping the functional connectivity of the EEG data in neuroergonomics. Moreover, this article proposes a pipeline for constructing an unweighted functional brain network from EEG data using both source and sensor methods. Out of 57 articles, our results show that graph theory metrics used to characterize EEG data have attracted increasing attention since 2006, with the highest frequency of publications in 2018. Most studies have focused on cognitive tasks in comparison with motor tasks. The mean phase coherence method, based on the “phase-locking value,” was the most frequently used functional estimation technique in the reviewed studies. Furthermore, the unweighted functional brain network has received substantially more attention in the literature than the weighted network. The global clustering coefficient and characteristic path length were the most prevalent metrics for differentiating between global integration and local segregation, and the small-worldness property emerged as a compelling metric for the characterization of information processing. This review provides insight into the use of graph theory metrics to model functional brain connectivity in the context of neuroergonomics research.

Highlights

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body, composed of 100 billion neurons connected by almost 150 trillion synapses [1], [2]
The present study focuses on understanding the current state of knowledge regarding the applications of graph theory analysis in the context of neuroergonomics
Graph theory metrics have emerged as valuable and reliable indicators for the characterization of functional interactions based on the global integration and local segregation of information processing

Summary

Introduction

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body, composed of 100 billion neurons connected by almost 150 trillion synapses [1], [2]. A mixture of dynamic systems theory, graph theory, and statistics, has been applied to the study of the functional and structural brain connectivity network under various states and conditions. The graph theory approach, a powerful mathematical tool [17], graphically illustrates a complex network architecture based on the modern theory of networks. In 1736, the physicist Leonard Euler solved the problem of crossing the Pregel River, which is known as the “Seven Bridges of Königsberg.”. Euler replaced each landmass with an abstract point (i.e., “vertex” or “node”) and each bridge with an abstract connection (“edge” or “line”), resulting in a mathematical structure called a “graph” or “network.” The contemplation of this problem led to the foundations of “graph theory” — the first true proof in the theory of VOLUME XX, 2017

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