The dynamics of dynamic time warping in fMRI data: A method to capture inter-network stretching and shrinking via warp elasticity.

In neuroimaging research, understanding the intricate dynamics of brain networks over time is paramount for unraveling the complexities of brain function. One approach commonly used to explore the dynamic nature of brain networks is functional connectivity analysis. However, while functional connectivity offers valuable insights, it fails to consider the diverse timescales of coupling between different brain regions. This gap in understanding leaves a significant aspect of brain dynamics unexplored in neuroimaging research. We propose an innovative approach that delves into the dynamic coupling/connectivity timescales of brain regions relative to one another, focusing on how brain region couplings stretch or shrink over time, rather than relying solely on functional connectivity measures. Our method introduces a novel metric called "warping elasticity," which utilizes dynamic time warping (DTW) to capture the temporal nuances of connectivity. Unlike traditional methods, our approach allows for (potentially nonlinear) dynamic compression and expansion of the time series, offering a more intricate understanding of how coupling between brain regions evolves. Through the adaptive windows employed by the DTW method, we can effectively capture transient couplings within varying connectivity timescales of brain network pairs. In extensive evaluations, our method exhibits high replicability across subjects and diverse datasets, showcasing robustness against noise. More importantly, it uncovers statistically significant distinctions between healthy control (HC) and schizophrenia (SZ) groups through the identification of warp elasticity states. These states are cluster centroids, representing the warp elasticity across subjects and time, offering a novel perspective on the dynamic nature of brain connectivity, distinct from conventional metrics focused solely on functional connectivity. For instance, controls spend more time in a warp elasticity state characterized by timescale stretching of the visual domain relative to other domains, suggesting disruptions in the visual cortex. Conversely, patients show increased time spent in a warp elasticity state with stretching timescales in higher cognitive areas relative to sensory regions, indicative of prolonged cognitive processing of sensory input. Overall, our approach presents a promising avenue for investigating the temporal dynamics of brain network interactions in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. By focusing on the elasticity of connectivity timescales, rather than adhering to functional connectivity metrics, we pave the way for a deeper understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders in neuroscience research.