Achieving high temporal resolution using a sliding-window approach for SPARKLING fMRI data: A simulation study

Motivation: Higher temporal resolution in fMRI has been increasingly sought after, primarily because of a greater interest in the high-frequency components of BOLD, but also because high temporal resolution is essential to get rid of physiological artifacts. Goal(s): In light of this mounting interest, we explore the sliding-window approach to improve the temporal resolution, specifically using SPARKLING fMRI. Approach: A simulation study is conducted for 2D BOLD fMRI at realistic SNR. Results: It demonstrates the possibility through the sliding window approach to detect oscillations beyond 0.2Hz in the BOLD response and separate the physiological noise from the neural activity. Impact: Such a strategy can be extended to 3D imaging in a straightforward manner, thereby making whole-brain high spatiotemporal resolution fMRI feasible.