PIPEMAT-RS: Development and Validation of a Standardized MATLAB Pipeline for Resting-State EEG Preprocessing

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a crucial tool in neuroscience research and clinical applications, but raw EEG data often contain noise and artifacts that compromise signal quality. To address this, we developed PIPEMAT-RS, a standardized MATLAB-based preprocessing pipeline for resting-state EEG data. PIPEMAT-RS follows a structured seven-step workflow: file format conversion, EEG montage configuration, downsampling, filtering, artifact rejection, independent component analysis (ICA), and ICLabel classification for automated artifact removal. This protocol enhances EEG data quality by minimizing human intervention while maintaining high accuracy in artifact rejection. It was validated using multiple datasets, demonstrating its robustness in improving signal integrity. PIPEMAT-RS provides a systematic approach that facilitates reproducibility and reliability in EEG studies, aligning with commonly adopted practices in the field and offering a clearly documented structure that can complement existing pipelines. By standardizing EEG preprocessing, PIPEMAT-RS facilitates neurophysiological research and clinical applications, allowing for more accurate interpretations of resting-state brain activity and its associations with neurological and psychiatric conditions.