A Hidden Semi-Markov Model Approach to State-Based Dynamic Brain Network Analyses: Recent Developments and Future Directions

Music City Center 

The study of functional brain networks has grown tremendously over the past decade. Most functional connectivity (FC) analyses assume that FC networks are stationary across time. However, there is interest in studying changes in FC over time. Hidden Markov models (HMMs) are a useful modeling approach for FC. However, a severe limitation is that HMMs assume the sojourn time (number of consecutive time points in a state) is geometrically distributed. This encourages state switches too often. I propose a hidden semi-Markov model (HSMM) approach for inferring functional brain networks from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, which explicitly models the sojourn distribution. Specifically, I propose using HSMMs to find each subject's most probable series of network states, the cumulative time in each state, and the networks associated with each state. This approach is demonstrated on fMRI data from a study on older adults with obesity. Lastly, I will discuss limitations and future directions for HSMMs within state-based dynamic connectivity analysis as a whole.

Connectivity

Connectomics

Network Neuroscience

Graphs

Statistical Models

Neuroimaging