The correlation between upper body grip strength and resting-state EEG network

Med Biol Eng Comput. 2023 Aug;61(8):2139-2148. doi: 10.1007/s11517-023-02865-4. Epub 2023 Jun 20.

Abstract

Current research in the field of neuroscience primarily focuses on the analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) activities associated with movement within the central nervous system. However, there is a dearth of studies investigating the impact of prolonged individual strength training on the resting state of the brain. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the correlation between upper body grip strength and resting-state EEG networks. In this study, coherence analysis was utilized to construct resting-state EEG networks using the available datasets. A multiple linear regression model was established to examine the correlation between the brain network properties of individuals and their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) during gripping tasks. The model was used to predict individual MVC. The beta and gamma frequency bands showed significant correlation between RSN connectivity and MVC (p < 0.05), particularly in left hemisphere frontoparietal and fronto-occipital connectivity. RSN properties were consistently correlated with MVC in both bands, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.60 (p < 0.01). Additionally, predicted MVC positively correlated with actual MVC, with a coefficient of 0.70 and root mean square error of 5.67 (p < 0.01). The results show that the resting-state EEG network is closely related to upper body grip strength, which can indirectly reflect an individual's muscle strength through the resting brain network.

Keywords: Grip strength; Maximum voluntary contraction; Resting-state EEG network.

MeSH terms

  • Brain Mapping* / methods
  • Brain* / physiology
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Hand Strength / physiology
  • Humans
  • Movement / physiology