Test-retest reliability of electro- and magnetoencephalographic measures elicited during language tasks: a literature review
Authors:
Cocquyt, E. M., Van Laeken, H., van Mierlo, P., and De Letter, M.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Electro (EEG)- and magnetoencephalographic (MEG) recordings during language processing can provide relevant insights on neuroplasticity in patients with aphasia. To use EEG and MEG in a longitudinal way, the outcome measures should be consistent across time in healthy individuals. Therefore, the current study provides a review on the test-retest reliability of EEG and MEG measures elicited during language paradigms in healthy adults.
METHOD: PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were searched for relevant articles based on specific eligibility criteria. In total, eleven articles were included in this literature review.
RESULTS: The test-retest reliability of the P1, N1 and P2 is systematically considered to be satisfactory, whereas the results for event-related potentials/fields occurring later in time are more variable. The within subject consistency of EEG and MEG measures during language processing can be influenced by multiple variables such as the stimulus presentation mode, the offline reference choice and the required amount of cognitive resources during the task.
CONCLUSION: In general, most of the available results are favorable regarding the longitudinal use of EEG and MEG measures elicited during language paradigms in healthy young individuals. In view to the use of these techniques in patients with aphasia, future research should focus on whether the same findings apply to different age groups.