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Frontal theta activity and white matter plasticity following mindfulness meditation
... In addition to spectral power increases, meditation has also been shown to increase coherence (i.e., connectivity) across distal neural populations, wherein simultaneously measured EEG channels synchronize across time within a particular spectral band. In particular, frontal midline theta (FMT) coherence has been observed in multiple studies of mindfulness and other meditation practices [16,18,[20][21][22][23]. FMT coherence and power are thought to reflect increased prefrontal (PFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activation during maintenance and deepening of the meditative state [18,23]. ...
... In addition to spectral power increases, meditation has also been shown to increase coherence (i.e., connectivity) across distal neural populations, wherein simultaneously measured EEG channels synchronize across time within a particular spectral band. In particular, frontal midline theta (FMT) coherence has been observed in multiple studies of mindfulness and other meditation practices [16,18,[20][21][22][23]. FMT coherence and power are thought to reflect increased prefrontal (PFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activation during maintenance and deepening of the meditative state [18,23]. ...
... For example, among people with nicotine addiction, excitatory theta burst stimulation to the right inferior frontal gyrus of the PFC significantly increased inhibitory control [44]-a neurocognitive mechanism shown to predict decreased smoking relapse vulnerability [45]. In parallel, increased frontal theta and FMT power indicate heightened PFC activation [16,20,23], and meditation training increases mPFC and inferior frontal gyrus activation while reducing cigarette smoking [46]. The current study findings suggest that mindfulness meditation might produce endogenous theta stimulation in the PFC, thereby enhancing inhibitory control over opioid dose escalation. ...
Veterans experience chronic pain at greater rates than the rest of society and are more likely to receive long-term opioid therapy (LTOT), which, at high doses, is theorized to induce maladaptive neuroplastic changes that attenuate self-regulatory capacity and exacerbate opioid dose escalation. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to modulate frontal midline theta (FMT) and alpha oscillations that are linked with marked alterations in self-referential processing. These adaptive neural oscillatory changes may promote reduced opioid use and remediate the neural dysfunction occasioned by LTOT. In this study, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to assess the effects of a mindfulness-based, cognitive training intervention for opioid misuse, Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), on alpha and theta power and FMT coherence during meditation. We then examined whether these neural effects were associated with reduced opioid dosing and changes in self-referential processing. Before and after 8 weeks of MORE or a supportive psychotherapy control, veterans receiving LTOT (N = 62) practiced mindfulness meditation while EEG was recorded. Participants treated with MORE demonstrated significantly increased alpha and theta power (with larger theta power effect sizes) as well as increased FMT coherence relative to those in the control condition-neural changes that were associated with altered self-referential processing. Crucially, MORE significantly reduced opioid dose over time, and this dose reduction was partially statistically mediated by changes in frontal theta power. Study results suggest that mindfulness meditation practice may produce endogenous theta stimulation in the prefrontal cortex, thereby enhancing inhibitory control over opioid dose escalation behaviors.
... Unexpectedly, the guided meditation did not produce demonstrable differences in alpha or theta power relative to the control audio even after accounting for sleepiness. This null finding is inconsistent with previous suggestions that mindfulness meditation produces increased alpha and theta power relative to rest 58,111 . The absence of this effect in the current study signals the need for careful evaluation regarding the boundary conditions undergirding the ability to detect the spectral power effects reported in the mindfulness literature. ...
... Therefore, one parsimonious consideration is that the design parameters of the study (i.e., one 20-min session of meditation with novice participants) may have been insufficient in both frequency and duration to produce group-level differences in alpha and theta power. This possibility is in line with Tang et al. 111 recent proposal that meditative alpha and theta activity are moderated by progressive stages of mastery, where the early stage (of which our sample undoubtedly falls) involves minimal alpha and theta activity but is instead predominated by beta activity reflective of mind wandering and effortful control. Alpha and theta synchronization is then thought to accompany the transition to later stages, as practitioners strengthen concentration and expend less effort to maintain internal awareness. ...
Despite a growing literature supporting the salutary effects of mindfulness meditation on emotion regulation, the underlying mechanisms linking neural and subjective changes occurring during the actual practice of meditation with emotion regulatory effects observed after meditation remains virtually unexplored. The current study sought to address this gap in knowledge by testing the hypothesis that adoption of internally-directed focused attention, indexed by increased alpha and theta spectral power, during brief open monitoring (OM) mindfulness meditation predicts reduced emotional reactivity, as measured by the late positive potential (LPP). Results revealed that the OM meditation did not produce demonstrable differences in alpha and theta power but did increase self-reported sleepiness relative to controls. Follow-up analyses showed that sleepiness uniquely moderated the effect of meditation on the LPP, such that less sleepiness during meditation, but not the control audio, corresponded to smaller LPPs to negative images. Change in theta, but not alpha power, between meditation and rest was positively correlated with the LPP even after controlling for sleepiness. Although the primary hypothesis was unsupported, the findings demonstrate that phenomenological and neural changes occurring during OM meditation may modulate its subsequent “off-the-cushion” effects on emotional reactivity.
... Our results demonstrated increased theta power in the bilateral frontal lobes, the left temporoparietal region and the right occipital region and enhanced phase synchronizations in the theta band mainly in the right hemisphere after MBCT. These results are consistent with previous suggestions that mindfulness meditation produces increased theta power (39,40), as well as alterations in functional connectivity across brain networks (19,41,42). In a pilot study (43), individuals with bipolar disorder showed decreased theta-band power, and post-MBCT individuals showed an increasing trend in theta power. ...
Many patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) suffer from residual symptoms. Rumination is a specific known risk factor for the onset, severity, prolongation, and relapse of MDD. This study aimed to examine the efficacy and EEG substrates of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in alleviating depression and rumination in an MDD population with residual symptoms. We recruited 26 recurrent MDD individuals who had residual symptoms with their current antidepressants to participate in the 8-week MBCT intervention. We evaluated the efficacy and changes in the dynamics of resting-state theta rhythm after the intervention, as well as the associations between theta alterations and improvements in depression and rumination. The participants showed reduced depression, enhanced adaptive reflective rumination, and increased theta power and phase synchronization after MBCT. The increased theta-band phase synchronizations between the right occipital regions and the right prefrontal, central, and parietal regions were associated with reduced depression, while the increase in theta power in the left parietal region was associated with improvements in reflective rumination. MBCT could alleviate depression and enhance adaptive, reflective rumination in recurrent MDD individuals with residual symptoms through the modulation of theta dynamics in specific brain regions.
... Despite the heterogeneity of meditative methods (Deolindo et al., 2020), the enhancement of the theta oscillation (Tanaka et al., 2014;DeLosAngeles et al., 2016;Tang et al., 2019) and its synchronization throughout multiple areas of the brain (Wong et al., 2015;Lardone et al., 2018) represent consistent results, which might be linked to the power theta increase reproduced in this study. Because PWL stimulation and breathing exercises are potentially able to induce oscillatory modulation of the brain rhythms, it is at first sight difficult to dissociate in the present effects those due to guided breathing from those due to the PWL stimulation. ...
The search for the best wellness practice has promoted the development of devices integrating different technologies and guided meditation. However, the final effects on the electrical activity of the brain remain relatively sparse. Here, we have analyzed of the alpha and theta electroencephalographic oscillations during the realization of the arrest reaction (AR; eyes close/eyes open transition) when a chromotherapy session performed in a dedicated room [ Rebalance ( RB ) device], with an ergonomic bed integrating pulsed-wave light (PWL) stimulation, guided breathing, and body scan exercises. We demonstrated that the PWL induced an evoked-related potential characterized by the N2-P3 components maximally recorded on the fronto-central areas and accompanied by an event-related synchronization (ERS) of the delta–theta–alpha oscillations. The power of the alpha and theta oscillations was analyzed during repeated ARs testing realized along with the whole RB session. We showed that the power of the alpha and theta oscillations was significantly increased during the session in comparison to their values recorded before. Of the 14 participants, 11 and 6 showed a significant power increase of the alpha and theta oscillations, respectively. These increased powers were not observed in two different control groups ( n = 28) who stayed passively outside or inside the RB room but without any type of stimulation. These preliminary results suggest that PWL chromotherapy and guided relaxation induce measurable electrical brain changes that could be beneficial under neuropsychiatric perspectives.
... Tang et al. (2015) suggest that attentional enhancements with mindfulness training are mainly driven by activations in the anterior cingulate cortex during meditation practice. saw increase in anterior cingulate axonal density after two weeks' training and improved myelination after four weeks' training (also see Tang et al., 2012;Tang, Tang, Rothbart, & Posner, 2019). ...
This thesis integrates restorative environments research and mindfulness research: two disparate but related approaches to managing the demands of modern living. Both offer ways to improve attention regulation by detaching from routine mental contents and engaging with present experience. However, restoration works bottom-up, from supportive environmental features, while mindfulness meditation works top-down, through effortful training. Complementarities between the two are the foundations of restoration skills training (ReST), a five-week mindfulness-based course that uses mindful sensory exploration in a natural setting to build a meditative state effortlessly. As in conventional mindfulness training (CMT), ReST involves a learning structure to teach versatile adaptive skills.
Data were collected in four rounds, with successively refined versions of ReST given in a botanic garden and formally matched CMT given indoors. Data were collected to test short-term outcomes of practice sessions and long-term course outcomes. Four papers aim to determine whether ReST confers similar health benefits as CMT and has specific advantages related to lower effort and enhanced restoration. Paper I shows that on repeated measurement occasions across the course weeks, attention tests obtained before and after ReST practice sessions showed restorative effects (improved performance) consistently for general attention and increasingly for executive attention. In contrast, CMT practice indoors incurred increasing effort (deteriorated performance) seen in general attention. Despite these different short-term outcomes, ReST and CMT conferred similar generalized improvements over the course weeks. Paper II shows that ReST compared with CMT had higher course completion and better establishment of a regular practice. Compliance was mediated through perceived restorative qualities in the meditation setting and state mindfulness during the classes. Paper III shows that ReST was attended by at least similar benefits for general psychological functioning as CMT. Ratings of dispositional mindfulness and attention problems remained improved six months after ReST. After CMT, only attention problem ratings remained improved. However, chronic stress ratings were not lastingly improved with either course. Paper IV shows that with ReST, participants with higher initial ratings of attention problems subsequently completed more homework practice during the course. Homework practice in turn explained part of the improvement in dispositional mindfulness and attention problems. With CMT, homework practice was unrelated to initial attention problems and improvement. In conclusion, ReST is a promising alternative for people who struggle under heavy attention demands; effortful training is not necessary to improve attention regulation in early stages of mindfulness training. The theoretical and practical integration can guide further exchange between these related research fields.
... Theta waves are associated with deep meditative states, imagination, and internal focus. 71 These findings suggest that clay carries intrinsic therapeutic properties that may complement mindfulness, as the act of clay sculpting alone appears to be able to induce relaxation and even a meditative state. We note, however, that the study of Kaimal did not observe any effects of art media choice on cortisol levels. ...
Mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) combines mindfulness practices with art therapy to promote health, wellness, and adaptive responses to stress. Mindfulness-based stress reduction programs have been demonstrated to reduce anxiety symptoms in people with generalized anxiety disorder and serious medical conditions such as cancer. However, the benefits of MBAT specifically—not just in clinical anxiety disorders, but also for routine day-to-day anxiousness—have received little attention until recently. In this mini-review, we summarize how several established mindfulness-based interventions affect mental health with a specific focus on MBAT. We also describe and evaluate data indicating involvement of specific neural circuits and neuroendocrine markers of stress and/or anxiety. Lastly, we suggest areas of focus for future rigorous research on MBAT interventions and propose multiple biobehavioral and physiological mechanisms through which therapeutic benefits may be achieved.
Impact statement
Recent studies demonstrate the therapeutic potential of intensive MBAT and other mindfulness-based interventions for severe health conditions including cancer, heart disease, and anxiety, with effectiveness that rivals and sometimes even exceeds cognitive behavior therapy. MBAT-based approaches appear to be poised to mature into large-scale, cost-effective therapies for mental health disorders and symptoms comorbid with other serious health issues. However, the field currently suffers from inconsistent deployment protocols and needs additional validation data—at the behavioral, neuroendocrine, and neural levels—in order to establish best practices.
... Intervention-related changes are more strongly reflected in changes in brain activity during task and resting states. Some studies have found that a cognitive control intervention led to decreased activation of the frontal lobe in elderly participants under medium-and low-difficulty conditions and to decreased theta wave energy in the frontal lobe under interference conditions; this suggests that the training improved neural efficiency [20,57,68,69]. Similar effects have also been reported after long-term aerobic exercise, whereby individuals showed a decreased activation of the frontal lobe and an increased activation of the hypothalamus and striatum in the Flanker task [57,70]. ...
Although the intervention effectiveness of cognitive control is disputed, some methods, such as single-task training, integrated training, meditation, aerobic exercise, and transcranial stimulation, have been reported to improve cognitive control. This review of recent advances from evaluation to prediction of cognitive control interventions suggests that brain modularity may be an important candidate marker for informing clinical decisions regarding suitable interventions. The intervention effect of cognitive control has been evaluated by behavioral performance, transfer effect, brain structure and function, and brain networks. Brain modularity can predict the benefits of cognitive control interventions based on individual differences and is independent of intervention method, group, age, initial cognitive ability, and education level. The prediction of cognitive control intervention based on brain modularity should extend to task states, combine function and structure networks, and assign different weights to subnetwork modularity.
... Tang et al [89] found increase in θ power in frontal midline (FM) EEG electrode following mindfulness meditation and hypothesized that the increase may result in a proliferation of oligodendrocytes, hence increase myelination and in turn improve the connectivity between ACC and the limbic areas; see also [77,78]. Earlier on, an increased θ activity was found to be positively correlated with glucose metabolism in the ACC [76]. ...
Meditation practices have been claimed to have a positive effect on the regulation of mood and emotion for quite some time by practitioners, and in recent times there has been a sustained effort to provide a more precise description of the changes induced by meditation on human brain. Longitudinal studies have reported morphological changes in cortical thickness and volume in selected brain regions due to meditation practice, which is interpreted as evidence for effectiveness of it beyond the subjective self reporting. Evidence based on real time monitoring of meditating brain by functional imaging modalities such as MEG or EEG remains a challenge. In this article we consider MEG data collected during meditation sessions of experienced Buddhist monks practicing focused attention (Samatha) and open monitoring (Vipassana) meditation, contrasted by resting state with eyes closed. The MEG data is first mapped to time series of brain activity averaged over brain regions corresponding to a standard Destrieux brain atlas, and further by bootstrapping and spectral analysis to data matrices representing a random sample of power spectral densities over bandwidths corresponding to $\alpha$, $\beta$, $\gamma$, and $\theta$ bands in the spectral range. We demonstrate using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) that the samples corresponding to different meditative or resting states contain enough fingerprints of the brain state to allow a separation between different states, and we identify the brain regions that appear to contribute to the separation. Our findings suggest that cingulate cortex, insular cortex and some of the internal structures, most notably accumbens, caudate and putamen nuclei, thalamus and amygdalae stand out as separating regions, which seems to correlate well with earlier findings based on longitudinal studies.
... According to Suetsugi and colleagues (Suetsugi et al., 2000), relief from anxiety can be reflected in the appearance of frontal theta activity, which might be a useful tool for measuring a patient's anxiety level. In addition, frontal theta activity has been proposed to play a role in maintaining a relaxed and calm mental state during (Tang et al., 2019). Actually, EEG studies have shown increased theta activity in frontal midline electrodes even during the resting-state that follows meditation training (Lomas et al., 2015;Tang et al., 2009). ...
Background: Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) is a promising non-invasive brain stimulation technique with the potential to alleviate anxiety. We examined the effectiveness of home-based CES with novel, headphone-like, in-ear electrodes on anxiety-related symptoms and resting-state brain activity.
Methods: This study spanned 3-weeks, with randomized, double blind, and active-controlled design. Nonclinical volunteers experiencing daily anxiety were randomly assigned to either the active or the sham groups. CES provides an alternating current (10 Hz frequency, 500 μA intensity), connected to smartphone recording treatment logs. Participants treated themselves with 20 trials of CES at home. We evaluated the effectiveness using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Wisconsin Card Sort Test (WCST), and resting-state electroencephalography (EEG).
Results: The active group showed a significant improvement in state-anxiety compared to sham, while there was a statistical trend in the WCST-Category Completed (p=.061) and no change in depression. In EEG analysis, the active group showed significantly increased relative power for theta in the left frontal region compared with the sham, and this significantly correlated with the changes in state-anxiety. The active group exhibited significantly increased high-beta source activity in cuneus and middle occipital gyrus after intervention compared with the baseline.
Limitations: This study had a relatively short treatment period and small sample size.
Conclusions: Our findings provide the first electrophysiological evidence for CES for novel in-ear electrodes to improve anxiety. The modulatory effects of CES on resting-state oscillations of EEG imply that CES could beneficially affect functional brain activity.
... A difference in the level of activity between experienced and novice meditators was reported in Wong et al. (2015). Tang et al. (2019) found increase in power in frontal midline (FM) EEG electrode following mindfulness meditation and hypothesized that the increase may result in a proliferation of oligodendrocytes, hence increased myelination and in turn improved the connectivity between the ACC and the limbic areas; see also (Posner 2018;Posner et al. 2014). Earlier on, an increased activity was found to be positively correlated with glucose metabolism in the ACC (Pizzagalli et al. 2013). ...
Meditation practices have been claimed to have a positive effect on the regulation of mood and emotions for quite some time by practitioners, and in recent times there has been a sustained effort to provide a more precise description of the influence of meditation on the human brain. Longitudinal studies have reported morphological changes in cortical thickness and volume in selected brain regions due to meditation practice, which is interpreted as an evidence its effectiveness beyond the subjective self reporting. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG) or electroencephalography to quantify the changes in brain activity during meditation practice represents a challenge, as no clear hypothesis about the spatial or temporal pattern of such changes is available to date. In this article we consider MEG data collected during meditation sessions of experienced Buddhist monks practicing focused attention (Samatha) and open monitoring (Vipassana) meditation, contrasted by resting state with eyes closed. The MEG data are first mapped to time series of brain activity averaged over brain regions corresponding to a standard Destrieux brain atlas. Next, by bootstrapping and spectral analysis, the data are mapped to matrices representing random samples of power spectral densities in $$\alpha$$ α , $$\beta$$ β , $$\gamma$$ γ , and $$\theta$$ θ frequency bands. We use linear discriminant analysis to demonstrate that the samples corresponding to different meditative or resting states contain enough fingerprints of the brain state to allow a separation between different states, and we identify the brain regions that appear to contribute to the separation. Our findings suggest that the cingulate cortex, insular cortex and some of the internal structures, most notably the accumbens, the caudate and the putamen nuclei, the thalamus and the amygdalae stand out as separating regions, which seems to correlate well with earlier findings based on longitudinal studies.
... Theta waves are associated with deep meditative states, imagination, and internal focus. 71 These findings suggest that clay carries intrinsic therapeutic properties that may complement mindfulness, as the act of clay sculpting alone appears to be able to induce relaxation and even a meditative state. We note, however, that the study of Kaimal did not observe any effects of art media choice on cortisol levels. ...
Questioning whether the hierarchy of evidence is a good fit for the art therapy profession furthers the scholarly climate of art therapy research practices. Contemporary art therapy research practices are reviewed in 8 notable areas: effectiveness, salience, functionality, appropriateness, safeness, cost-effectiveness, program satisfaction, and acceptance. Substantiating the knowledge base in these areas will expand the evidence base for art therapy and provide practical strategies for future studies. Recommendations for integrating arts-informed and arts-based research are considered. Alternatives to the hierarchical model ensure that heterogenous data are understood as interlocking and complementary.
As mental healthcare services such as digital mindfulness meditation spread, research to improve user experience is expected to become increasingly important. Thus, this study investigated user perception when a guide for breathing awareness during digital mindfulness meditation is provided through a vibration cue. Focusing on the breath during mindfulness meditation is important, but beginner and intermediate meditators find it difficult due to inner and outer distractions. For this reason, we propose a design guideline for an intervention method that allows the user to concentrate on breathing without disturbing the surrounding environment. In particular, vibration cues can be effective for breathing awareness, because they induce positive neurophysiological changes in the brain, allowing for improved focus and attention. In addition, we measured EEG and HRV to compare changes in user perception. The experiment was designed as within-subjects, and 12 beginner meditators participated. Results of EEG and HRV analysis showed that when verbal and vibration cues were provided at the same time, positive neurological changes were induced and that the user could focus on breathing most effectively. This study’s results provide insights on the design of mindfulness wearable-vibration applications in practical terms, along with expanded knowledge of digital mental healthcare and HCI research.
Chronic drug use is theorized to induce cortico-striatal neuroplasticity, driving an allostatic process marked by increased sensitivity to drug-related cues and decreased sensitivity to natural rewards that results in anhedonia and a dearth of positive affect. As such, positive emotion regulation represents a key mechanistic target for addictions treatment. This paper provides a conceptual model detailing how mindfulness may synergize a range of positive affective mechanisms to reduce addictive behavior, from savoring the hedonic pleasure derived from natural rewards, to self-generating interoceptive reward responses, and ultimately to cultivating self-transcendent meaning. These therapeutic processes may restructure reward processing from overvaluation of drug-related rewards back to valuation of natural rewards, and hypothetically, ‘reset’ the default mode network dysfunction that undergirds addiction.
The World Health Organization (WHO) survey reported that in 2030 most people are affected by mental health problems due to work pressure, stress, and depression. Due to the serious issue of mental problems, people need attention to cure and improve their health in the beginning stage. This study utilizes the Adaptive Integrated Support Vector Machine (AISVM) to classify meditation experiences and validate the interaction between meditation experience and emotional stability. The response signals have been collected via physiological examination through electroencephalography (EEG). Different courses are conducted to relieve mental illness; stress provides primary care to maintain people's health. Among the various course, practice meditation is one of the effective ways to reduce mental health problems. In this work, analyzing the various mental problems related to risk is examined to learn about the seriousness. After that taijiquan Meditation Exercise process is analyzed to minimize the mental illness effectively. This study is then used to investigate the efficiency of the taijiquan Meditation Exercise process in the mental health management system. The numerical results show that the proposed method achieves a high-efficiency ratio of 96.7%, an accuracy ratio of 98.7%, a prediction ratio of 95.6%, and an f1 score ratio of 97.8% and reduces the depression ratio of 18.5% compared to other existing methods.
Health profession students (HPSs) continuously experience psychological issues which can exacerbate cognitive errors and harm emotional well-being. The Healthcare simulation environment is stressful and overwhelming in nature and may impair learning outcomes. Therefore, integrating psychological interventions into simulation-based learning (SBL) instructional design may alleviate students' psychological distress and improve their learning outcomes.
Objectives:
to examine the effects of mindfulness on health professions students' SBL outcomes.
Design:
a literature review, based on Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) updated methodology was used in this study.
Data sources:
We investigated PubMed, ERIC, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to find papers addressing the effects of mindfulness on health professions students' SBL outcomes. We targeted Results: This integrative review suggests that although mindfulness improves SBL outcomes, HPSs still struggle to transfer mindfulness benefits to real clinical practice.
Conclusion:
research on mindfulness in healthcare SBL is in its infancy, thus, further research is needed to prove mindfulness effects on HPSs' SBL outcomes.
Interoceptive pathways may be manipulated at various levels to develop interventions to improve symptoms in a range of disorders. Primarily through the lens of the respiratory system, we outline various pathways that can be manipulated at neural, behavioral, and psychological levels to change the representation of and attention to interoceptive signals, which can alter interconnected physiological systems and improve functioning and adaptive behavior. Interventions can alter interoception via neuromodulation of the vagus nerve, slow breathing to change respiratory rate and depth, or awareness processes such as mindfulness-based interventions. Aspects of this framework may be applied to other physiological systems and future research may integrate interventions across multiple levels of manipulation or bodily systems.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unrivaled need among clinicians to utilize resources aimed at mitigating the effects of this shared trauma. Despite the pre-existing need for organizationally based infrastructure to support these workers, the ongoing crisis necessitates the production of a guide for workers to access self-care procedures that are useful now. This guide seeks to intuitively organize self-care practices and procedures according to their type. It describes direct interventions for clinicians to remedy their own occupationally induced stressors, as well as provide conceptual strategies to foster sustainable resiliency-focused behaviors. Finally, this guide seeks to define a variety of self-care concepts and practices that match the range of clinicians working to stymie the pervasive effects of the pandemic. It excludes practices that conflict with CDC recommendations to prevent COVID-19 exposure and spread, such as any practice where maintaining social distance is not possible. Although it cannot inoculate clinicians to the profound effects of a shared trauma such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the goal is to bolster clinicians operating without sufficient structural resources to sustain their crucial services.
Mindfulness is a flexible state of mind noticing actively things in the present context, strengthening an individual’s attention. Mindfulness practices are vigorously pursued in the present-day world to improve well-being, resilience, and leading healthful lives. The cognitive load encountered in daily life can be effectively handled by strengthening the attention muscle of the mind. This work investigates the effect of mindfulness training by using the acquired electroencephalogram (EEG) signal of 40 subjects. Total subjects are equally divided into two groups. Twenty in a group have undergone mindfulness training, and the other twenty formed the control group. Each subject in the mindfulness training group practiced focused attention meditation 20 min daily for eight weeks by concentrating on in-breath and out-breath in a comfortable sitting posture. The visual cognitive protocol used for this work acquires data for four cognitive levels of increasing complexity. This research work is conducted by using a three-pronged approach, namely cognitive ability modulation index (CAMI), fractal dimension and state transition. CAMI and fractal dimension are used as criteria for choosing the subjects to examine state transitions using the Hidden Markov model (HMM). Emission states are identified by using the autoregressive model coefficients. The fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm is used to label emission states. Arousal, observation, and relaxation functional states are analysed using HMM. The percentage of subjects showing significant cognitive improvement across four levels after mindfulness intervention are 22.22(17.64), 55.55(23.52), 61.11(17.64) and 77.77(23.52), respectively, where the figure in parenthesis is of the control group.
For middle school aged students, inadequate copings skills addressing feelings of anger and aggressive behaviors may lead to negative outcomes academically, socially, and emotionally. Mindfulness based CBT has been shown to positively improve an individual’s coping skills, emotional regulation, and neurological functioning. Implementing mindfulness based CBT practices with middle school aged students effectively targets areas of the brain responsible for impulse control, decision making, and planning, while decreasing impulsive and reactive behaviors. A case illustration has been incorporated to highlight the use of mindfulness based CBT with a middle school student. School counselors utilizing mindfulness based CBT with middle school aged students are establishing long term coping skills and helping students positively address negative emotions.
La meditación de atención plena es una técnica ampliamente usada en la actualidad, con origen en la cultura budista, que permite desarrollar la habilidad de dirigir la atención sin prejuicios a las experiencias del momento presente, tratando de disminuir el procesamiento autorreferencial narrativo o de experiencias y la prospección en el futuro. Los estudios en el área han demostrado la utilidad de la meditación de atención plena para aumentar el bienestar psicológico y físico en términos generales, pero los mecanismos neurofisiológicos asociadas a estos cambios aún están sin dilucidarse. En la presente revisión se recopila información de estudios que han utilizado neuroimagen y electroencefalograma para valorar los mismos, con énfasis en aquellos estudios que permiten discutir la propuesta de la meditación de atención plena como un estímulo que disminuye el procesamiento de tareas autorreferenciales y favorece los estados de tareas cognitivas y tareas asociativas sensoriales, incluida la interocepción. Estos estudios evidencian cambios estructurales y funcionales en sectores como corteza prefrontal, ínsula, el hipocampo, el giro cíngulo, la corteza visual primaria y el estriado, que son discutidos en este artículo a la luz del conocimiento actual.
The study of brain changes in response to mindfulness (MF) practice could serve as a way to expand our understanding of key cognitive processes such as consciousness, attention, or executive functions. The aim of this work is to offer an updated review of the studies that have investigated the effects of MF on cognition; specifically, the processes of consciousness, attention, and executive functioning, measured by evoked potentials (EP). The main studies on this topic from 2006 to the present are reviewed and the principal findings are grouped according to the EP measured, mainly N1, N2, and P3. The convergent evidence derived from the updated research allows us to propose a hypothetical model of the existing correlations between the influences of MF on cognitive processes and the associated EP components. However, the methodological limitations found mean that we should take these results with caution and advise a methodological refinement for future research.
Recent reports have begun to elucidate mechanisms by which learning and experience produce white matter changes in the brain. We previously reported changes in white matter surrounding the anterior cingulate cortex in humans after 2-4 weeks of meditation training. We further found that low-frequency optogenetic stimulation of the anterior cingulate in mice increased time spent in the light in a light/dark box paradigm, suggesting decreased anxiety similar to what is observed following meditation training. Here, we investigated the impact of this stimulation at the cellular level. We found that laser stimulation in the range of 1-8 Hz results in changes to subcortical white matter projection fibers in the corpus callosum. Specifically, stimulation resulted in increased oligodendrocyte proliferation, accompanied by a decrease in the g-ratio within the corpus callosum underlying the anterior cingulate cortex. These results suggest that low-frequency stimulation can result in activity-dependent remodeling of myelin, giving rise to enhanced connectivity and altered behavior.
Mindfulness meditators often show greater efficiency in resolving response conflicts than non-meditators. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the improved behavioral efficiency are unclear. Here, we investigated frontal theta dynamics—a neural mechanism involved in cognitive control processes—in long-term mindfulness meditators. The dynamics of EEG theta oscillations (4–8 Hz) recorded over the medial frontal cortex (MFC) were examined in terms of their power (MFC theta power) and their functional connectivity with other brain areas (the MFC-centered theta network). Using a flanker-type paradigm, EEG data were obtained from 22 long-term mindfulness meditators and compared to those from 23 matched controls without meditation experience. Meditators showed more efficient cognitive control after conflicts, evidenced by fewer error responses irrespective of response timing. Furthermore, meditators exhibited enhanced conflict modulations of the MFC-centered theta network shortly before the response, in particular for the functional connection between the MFC and the motor cortex. In contrast, MFC theta power was comparable between groups. These results suggest that the higher behavioral efficiency after conflicts in mindfulness meditators could be a function of increased engagement to control the motor system in association with the MFC-centered theta network.
One outstanding question in the contemplative science literature relates to the direct impact of meditation experience on the monitoring of internal states and its respective correspondence with neural activity. In particular, to what extent does meditation influence the awareness, duration and frequency of the tendency of the mind to wander. To assess the relation between mind wandering and meditation, we tested 2 groups of meditators, one with a moderate level of experience (non-expert) and those who are well advanced in their practice (expert). We designed a novel paradigm using self-reports of internal mental states based on an experiential sampling probe paradigm presented during ~1 h of seated concentration meditation to gain insight into the dynamic measures of electroencephalography (EEG) during absorption in meditation as compared to reported mind wandering episodes. Our results show that expert meditation practitioners report a greater depth and frequency of sustained meditation, whereas non-expert practitioners report a greater depth and frequency of mind wandering episodes. This is one of the first direct behavioral indices of meditation expertise and its associated impact on the reduced frequency of mind wandering, with corresponding EEG activations showing increased frontal midline theta and somatosensory alpha rhythms during meditation as compared to mind wandering in expert practitioners. Frontal midline theta and somatosensory alpha rhythms are often observed during executive functioning, cognitive control and the active monitoring of sensory information. Our study thus provides additional new evidence to support the hypothesis that the maintenance of both internal and external orientations of attention may be maintained by similar neural mechanisms and that these mechanisms may be modulated by meditation training.
Meditative techniques aim for and meditators report states of mental alertness and focus, concurrent with physical and emotional calm. We aimed to determine the electroencephalographic (EEG) correlates of five states of Buddhist concentrative meditation, particularly addressing a correlation with meditative level. We studied 12 meditators and 12 pair-matched meditation-naïve participants using high-resolution scalp-recorded EEG. To maximise reduction of EMG, data were pre-processed using independent component analysis and surface Laplacian transformed data. Two non-meditative and five meditative states were used: resting baseline, mind-wandering, absorptions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (corresponding to four levels of absorption and an absorption with a different object of focus, otherwise equivalent to level 4; these five meditative states produce repeatable, distinctly different experiences for experienced meditators). The experimental protocol required participants to experience the states in the order listed above, followed immediately by the reverse. We then calculated EEG power in standard frequency bands from 1 to 80 Hz. We observed decreases of central scalp beta (13–25 Hz), and central low gamma (25–48 Hz) power in meditators during deeper absorptions. In contrast, we identified increases in frontal midline and temporo-parietal theta power in meditators, again, during deeper absorptions. Alpha activity was increased over all meditative states, not depth-related. This study demonstrates that the subjective experiences of deepening meditation partially correspond to measures of EEG. Our results are in accord with prior studies on non-graded meditative states. These results are also consistent with increased theta correlating with tightness of focus, and reduced beta/gamma with the desynchronization associated with enhanced alertness.
Mindfulness meditation has been purported to be a beneficial practice for wellbeing. It would therefore be expected that the neurophysiology of mindfulness would reflect this impact on wellbeing. However, investigations of the effect of mindfulness have generated mixed reports of increases, decreases, as well as no differences in EEG oscillations in comparison with a resting state and a variety of tasks. We have performed systematic review of EEG studies of mindfulness meditation in order to determine any common effects and to identify factors which may impact on the effects. Databases were reviewed from 1966 to August 2015. Eligibility criteria included empirical quantitative analyses of mindfulness meditation practice and EEG measurements acquired in relation to practice. A total of 56 papers met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review, consisting of a total 1,715 subjects: 1,358 healthy individuals and 357 individuals with psychiatric diagnoses. Studies were principally examined for power outcomes in each bandwidth, in particular the power differentials between mindfulness and the control state, as well as outcomes relating to hemispheric asymmetry and event-related potentials. The systematic review revealed that mindfulness was most commonly associated with enhanced alpha and theta power as compared to an eyes closed resting state, although such outcomes were not uniformly reported. No consistent patterns were observed with respect to beta, delta and gamma bandwidths. In summary, mindfulness is associated with increased alpha and theta power in both healthy individuals and in patient groups. This co-presence of elevated alpha and theta may signify a state of relaxed alertness which is conducive to mental health.
We discuss the idea that addictions can be treated by changing the mechanisms involved in self-control with or without regard to intention. The core clinical symptoms of addiction include an enhanced incentive for drug taking (craving), impaired self-control (impulsivity and compulsivity), negative mood, and increased stress reactivity. Symptoms related to impaired self-control involve reduced activity in control networks including anterior cingulate (ACC), adjacent prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and striatum. Behavioral training such as mindfulness meditation can increase the function of control networks and may be a promising approach for the treatment of addiction, even among those without intention to quit.
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Resolving conflict is a pivotal self-control ability for human adaptation and survival. Although some studies reported meditation may affect conflict resolution, the neural mechanisms are poorly understood. We conducted a fully randomized 5 h trial of one form of mindfulness meditation-integrative body-mind training (IBMT) in comparison to a relaxation training control. During the Stroop word-color task, IBMT group produced faster resolution of conflict, a smaller N2 and an earlier and larger P3 component of the event-related brain potentials. These results indicate that brief meditation training induces a brain state that improves the resolution of conflict.
Meditation can be defined as a form of mental training that aims to improve an individual's core psychological capacities, such as attentional and emotional self-regulation. Meditation encompasses a family of complex practices that include mindfulness meditation, mantra meditation, yoga, tai chi and chi gong 1. Of these practices , mindfulness meditation — often described as non-judgemental attention to present-moment experiences (BOX 1) — has received most attention in neuroscience research over the past two decades 2–8. Although meditation research is in its infancy, a number of studies have investigated changes in brain activation (at rest and during specific tasks) that are associated with the practice of, or that follow, training in mindfulness meditation. These studies have reported changes in multiple aspects of mental function in beginner and advanced meditators, healthy individuals and patient populations 9–14. In this Review, we consider the current state of research on mindfulness meditation. We discuss the methodological challenges that the field faces and point to several shortcomings in existing studies. Taking into account some important theoretical considerations, we then discuss behavioural and neuroscientific findings in light of what we think are the core components of meditation practice: attention control, emotion regulation and self-awareness (BOX 1). Within this framework, we describe research that has revealed changes in behaviour, brain activity and brain structure following mindfulness meditation training. We discuss what has been learned so far from this research and suggest new research strategies for the field. We focus here on mindfulness meditation practices and have excluded studies on other types of meditation. However, it is important to note that other styles of meditation may operate via distinct neural mechanisms
Training can induce changes in specific brain networks and changes in brain state. In both cases it has been found that the efficiency of white matter as measured by diffusion tensor imaging is increased, often after only a few hours of training. In this paper we consider a plausible molecular mechanism for how state change produced by meditation might lead to white matter change. According to this hypothesis frontal theta induced by meditation produces a molecular cascade that increases myelin and improves connectivity.
Myelin-forming oligodendrocytes (OLs) are formed continuously in the healthy adult brain. In this work, we study the function
of these late-forming cells and the myelin they produce. Learning a new motor skill (such as juggling) alters the structure
of the brain’s white matter, which contains many OLs, suggesting that late-born OLs might contribute to motor learning. Consistent
with this idea, we show that production of newly formed OLs is briefly accelerated in mice that learn a new skill (running
on a “complex wheel” with irregularly spaced rungs). By genetically manipulating the transcription factor myelin regulatory
factor in OL precursors, we blocked production of new OLs during adulthood without affecting preexisting OLs or myelin. This
prevented the mice from mastering the complex wheel. Thus, generation of new OLs and myelin is important for learning motor
skills.
Our previous research showed that short term meditation training reduces the time to resolve conflict in the flanker task. Studies also show that resting alpha increases with long term meditation practice. The aim of this study is to determine whether short term meditation training both increases resting alpha activity and reduces the time to resolve conflict in the Stroop task and whether these two effects are related. Forty-three Chinese undergraduates were randomly assigned an experiment group given 5 days meditation training using integrative body-mind training (IBMT) and a relaxation training control. After training, only the IBMT group showed decreased conflict reaction time (RT), and increased resting mean alpha power. Moreover, the higher the enhancement of resting alpha power, the stronger the improvement of conflict RT. The results indicate that short term meditation diffusely enhances alpha and improves the ability to deal with conflict and moreover these two effects are positively related.
Brain training refers to practices that alter the brain in a way that improves cognition, and performance in domains beyond those involved in the training. We argue that brain training includes network training through repetitive practice that exercises specific brain networks and state training, which changes the brain state in a way that influences many networks. This opinion article considers two widely used methods - working memory training (WMT) and meditation training (MT) - to demonstrate the similarities and differences between network and state training. These two forms of training involve different areas of the brain and different forms of generalization. We propose a distinction between network and state training methods to improve understanding of the most effective brain training.
Mindfulness neuroscience is an emerging research field that investigates the underlying mechanisms of different mindfulness
practices, different stages and different states of practice as well as different effects of practice over the lifespan. Mindfulness
neuroscience research integrates theory and methods from eastern contemplative traditions, western psychology and neuroscience,
and from neuroimaging techniques, physiological measures and behavioral tests. We here review several key theoretical and
methodological challenges in the empirical study of mindfulness neuroscience and provide suggestions for overcoming these
challenges.
Using diffusion tensor imaging, several recent studies have shown that training results in changes in white matter efficiency as measured by fractional anisotropy (FA). In our work, we found that a form of mindfulness meditation, integrative body-mind training (IBMT), improved FA in areas surrounding the anterior cingulate cortex after 4-wk training more than controls given relaxation training. Reductions in radial diffusivity (RD) have been interpreted as improved myelin but reductions in axial diffusivity (AD) involve other mechanisms, such as axonal density. We now report that after 4-wk training with IBMT, both RD and AD decrease accompanied by increased FA, indicating improved efficiency of white matter involves increased myelin as well as other axonal changes. However, 2-wk IBMT reduced AD, but not RD or FA, and improved moods. Our results demonstrate the time-course of white matter neuroplasticity in short-term meditation. This dynamic pattern of white matter change involving the anterior cingulate cortex, a part of the brain network related to self-regulation, could provide a means for intervention to improve or prevent mental disorders.
Although the study of brain states is an old one in neuroscience, there has been growing interest in brain state specification owing to MRI studies tracing brain connectivity at rest. In this review, we summarize recent research on three relatively well-described brain states: the resting, alert, and meditation states. We explore the neural correlates of maintaining a state or switching between states, and argue that the anterior cingulate cortex and striatum play a critical role in state maintenance, whereas the insula has a major role in switching between states. Brain state may serve as a predictor of performance in a variety of perceptual, memory, and problem solving tasks. Thus, understanding brain states is critical for understanding human performance.
Here, we update our 1990 Annual Review of Neuroscience article, "The Attention System of the Human Brain." The framework presented in the original article has helped to integrate behavioral, systems, cellular, and molecular approaches to common problems in attention research. Our framework has been both elaborated and expanded in subsequent years. Research on orienting and executive functions has supported the addition of new networks of brain regions. Developmental studies have shown important changes in control systems between infancy and childhood. In some cases, evidence has supported the role of specific genetic variations, often in conjunction with experience, that account for some of the individual differences in the efficiency of attentional networks. The findings have led to increased understanding of aspects of pathology and to some new interventions.
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is part of a network implicated in the development of self-regulation and whose connectivity changes dramatically in development. In previous studies we showed that 3 h of mental training, based on traditional Chinese medicine (integrative body-mind training, IBMT), increases ACC activity and improves self-regulation. However, it is not known whether changes in white matter connectivity can result from small amounts of mental training. We here report that 11 h of IBMT increases fractional anisotropy (FA), an index indicating the integrity and efficiency of white matter in the corona radiata, an important white-matter tract connecting the ACC to other structures. Thus IBMT could provide a means for improving self-regulation and perhaps reducing or preventing various mental disorders.
This paper proposes a third meditation-category--automatic self-transcending--to extend the dichotomy of focused attention and open monitoring proposed by Lutz. Automatic self-transcending includes techniques designed to transcend their own activity. This contrasts with focused attention, which keeps attention focused on an object; and open monitoring, which keeps attention involved in the monitoring process. Each category was assigned EEG bands, based on reported brain patterns during mental tasks, and meditations were categorized based on their reported EEG. Focused attention, characterized by beta/gamma activity, included meditations from Tibetan Buddhist, Buddhist, and Chinese traditions. Open monitoring, characterized by theta activity, included meditations from Buddhist, Chinese, and Vedic traditions. Automatic self-transcending, characterized by alpha1 activity, included meditations from Vedic and Chinese traditions. Between categories, the included meditations differed in focus, subject/object relation, and procedures. These findings shed light on the common mistake of averaging meditations together to determine mechanisms or clinical effects.
Five days of integrative body-mind training (IBMT) improves attention and self-regulation in comparison with the same amount of relaxation training. This paper explores the underlying mechanisms of this finding. We measured the physiological and brain changes at rest before, during, and after 5 days of IBMT and relaxation training. During and after training, the IBMT group showed significantly better physiological reactions in heart rate, respiratory amplitude and rate, and skin conductance response (SCR) than the relaxation control. Differences in heart rate variability (HRV) and EEG power suggested greater involvement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in the IBMT group during and after training. Imaging data demonstrated stronger subgenual and adjacent ventral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activity in the IBMT group. Frontal midline ACC theta was correlated with high-frequency HRV, suggesting control by the ACC over parasympathetic activity. These results indicate that after 5 days of training, the IBMT group shows better regulation of the ANS by a ventral midfrontal brain system than does the relaxation group. This changed state probably reflects training in the coordination of body and mind given in the IBMT but not in the control group. These results could be useful in the design of further specific interventions.
The ability to attend and to exercise cognitive control are vital aspects of human adaptability. Several studies indicate that attention training using computer based exercises can lead to improved attention in children and adults. Randomized control studies of exposure to nature, mindfulness and integrative body-mind training (IBMT) yield improved attention and self-regulation. Here, we ask how attention training and attention state training might be similar and different in their training methods, neural mechanisms and behavioral outcomes. Together these various methods lead to practical ways of improving attention and self-regulation.
Neuroelectric and imaging studies of meditation are reviewed. Electroencephalographic measures indicate an overall slowing subsequent to meditation, with theta and alpha activation related to proficiency of practice. Sensory evoked potential assessment of concentrative meditation yields amplitude and latency changes for some components and practices. Cognitive event-related potential evaluation of meditation implies that practice changes attentional allocation. Neuroimaging studies indicate increased regional cerebral blood flow measures during meditation. Taken together, meditation appears to reflect changes in anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal areas. Neurophysiological meditative state and trait effects are variable but are beginning to demonstrate consistent outcomes for research and clinical applications. Psychological and clinical effects of meditation are summarized, integrated, and discussed with respect to neuroimaging data.
Recent studies suggest that months to years of intensive and systematic meditation training can improve attention. However, the lengthy training required has made it difficult to use random assignment of participants to conditions to confirm these findings. This article shows that a group randomly assigned to 5 days of meditation practice with the integrative body-mind training method shows significantly better attention and control of stress than a similarly chosen control group given relaxation training. The training method comes from traditional Chinese medicine and incorporates aspects of other meditation and mindfulness training. Compared with the control group, the experimental group of 40 undergraduate Chinese students given 5 days of 20-min integrative training showed greater improvement in conflict scores on the Attention Network Test, lower anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue, and higher vigor on the Profile of Mood States scale, a significant decrease in stress-related cortisol, and an increase in immunoreactivity. These results provide a convenient method for studying the influence of meditation training by using experimental and control methods similar to those used to test drugs or other interventions.
This paper is a review of our recent studies and ideas related to the neuropsychological issues that Robert Rafal and I worked together to understand attention and hopefully improve it in a variety of patients. Rehabilitation is also a goal of my current research to determine if non invasive stimuli can improve white matter in humans. We have found that fractional anisotropy (FA) is improved in pathways surrounding the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) following two week to four weeks of meditation training. We hypothesized that the frontal theta increased following meditation training might be a cause of the improved connectivity. This was confirmed by a mouse study using optogenetics to impose theta rhythms in the ACC. We have evidence that electrical stimulation while performing a task that activates the ACC can also increase theta. We plan studies to determine whether two to four weeks of stimulation can improve FA in pathways surrounding the anterior cingulate.
Meditation training induces changes at both the behavioral and neural levels. A month of meditation training can reduce self-reported anxiety and other dimensions of negative affect. It also can change white matter as measured by diffusion tensor imaging and increase resting-state midline frontal theta activity. The current study tests the hypothesis that imposing rhythms in the mouse anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), by using optogenetics to induce oscillations in activity, can produce behavioral changes. Mice were randomly assigned to groups and were given twenty 30-min sessions of light pulses delivered at 1, 8, or 40 Hz over 4 wk or were assigned to a no-laser control condition. Before and after the month all mice were administered a battery of behavioral tests. In the light/dark box, mice receiving cortical stimulation had more light-side entries, spent more time in the light, and made more vertical rears than mice receiving rhythmic cortical suppression or no manipulation. These effects on light/dark box exploratory behaviors are associated with reduced anxiety and were most pronounced following stimulation at 1 and 8 Hz. No effects were seen related to basic motor behavior or exploration during tests of novel object and location recognition. These data support a relationship between lower-frequency oscillations in the mouse ACC and the expression of anxiety-related behaviors, potentially analogous to effects seen with human practitioners of some forms of meditation.
The synapse is the focus of experimental research and theory on the cellular mechanisms of nervous system plasticity and learning, but recent research is expanding the consideration of plasticity into new mechanisms beyond the synapse, notably including the possibility that conduction velocity could be modifiable through changes in myelin to optimize the timing of information transmission through neural circuits. This concept emerges from a confluence of brain imaging that reveals changes in white matter in the human brain during learning, together with cellular studies showing that the process of myelination can be influenced by action potential firing in axons. This Opinion article summarizes the new research on activity-dependent myelination, explores the possible implications of these studies and outlines the potential for new research.
Whilst a number of previous studies have been conducted in order to investigate functional brain changes associated with eyes-closed meditation techniques, there is a relative scarcity in the literature with regards to changes occurring during eyes-open meditiation. The current project used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate differences in spectral power and functional connectivity between 11 long-term mindfulness meditators (LTMMs) with >5years of experience and 12 meditation-naïve control participants both during baseline eyes-open rest and eyes-open open-monitoring (OM) mindfulness meditation. During resting with eyes-open, prior to meditating, greater mean alpha power was observed for LTMMs in comparison to controls. However, during the course of OM meditation, a significantly greater increase in theta power was observed over a broad fronto-centro-parietal region for control participants in comparison to LTMMs. In contrast, whole-head mean connectivity was found to be significantly greater for long-term meditators in comparison to controls in the theta band both during rest as well as during meditation. Additionally, mean connectivity was significantly lower for long-term meditators in the low gamma band during rest and significantly lower in both low and high gamma bands during meditation; and the variance of low-gamma connectivity scores for long-term meditators was significantly decreased compared to the control group. The current study provides important new information as to the trait functional changes in brain activity associated with long-term mindfulness meditation, as well as the state changes specifically associated with eyes-open open monitoring meditation techniques.
Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.
During human response conflict – competition between multiple conflicting actions when a mistake could be made – a specific pattern of brain electrical activity occurs over the medial frontal cortex (MFC), characterized by modulations of ongoing theta-band (∼6 Hz) oscillations and synchronization with task-relevant brain regions. Despite the replicable and robust findings linking MFC theta to conflict processing, the significance of MFC theta for how neural microcircuits actually detect conflict and broadcast that signal is unknown. A neural MFC microcircuit model is proposed for processing conflict and generating theta oscillations. The model makes several novel predictions for the causes and consequences of MFC theta and conflict processing, and may be relevant for understanding the neural implementations of related cognitive processes.
Recent advancements in cognitive neuroscience have afforded a description of neural responses in terms of latent algorithmic operations. However, the adoption of this approach to human scalp electroencephalography (EEG) has been more limited, despite the ability of this methodology to quantify canonical neuronal processes. Here, we provide evidence that theta band activities over the midfrontal cortex appear to reflect a common computation used for realizing the need for cognitive control. Moreover, by virtue of inherent properties of field oscillations, these theta band processes may be used to communicate this need and subsequently implement such control across disparate brain regions. Thus, frontal theta is a compelling candidate mechanism by which emergent processes, such as 'cognitive control', may be biophysically realized.
Myelination of the central nervous system requires the generation of functionally mature oligodendrocytes from oligodendrocyte
precursor cells (OPCs). Electrically active neurons may influence OPC function and selectively instruct myelination of an
active neural circuit. In this work, we use optogenetic stimulation of the premotor cortex in awake, behaving mice to demonstrate
that neuronal activity elicits a mitogenic response of neural progenitor cells and OPCs, promotes oligodendrogenesis, and
increases myelination within the deep layers of the premotor cortex and subcortical white matter. We further show that this
neuronal activity–regulated oligodendrogenesis and myelination is associated with improved motor function of the corresponding
limb. Oligodendrogenesis and myelination appear necessary for the observed functional improvement, as epigenetic blockade
of oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelin changes prevents the activity-regulated behavioral improvement.
Method and concepts of brain oscillations pervade the neuroscience literature, especially in cognitive processes. Electrophysiological changes in patients with cognitive impairment will provide fundamental knowledge, not only for clinical studies but also, in turn, for understanding cognitive processes in healthy subjects. This review includes description of brain oscillations in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The reviewed publications include several methodological approaches: analysis of spontaneous electroencephalogram (EEG) spectra, evoked oscillations, event-related oscillations, and coherences both in spontaneous EEG and event-related oscillations. The review clearly shows that, in cognitive impairment, fundamental changes are observed in all diseases under study. Accordingly, oscillations can most probably be used as biomarkers in clinical studies. The conclusions of this review include several remarks indicating the nature of brain oscillations, their application to cognitive processes, and the usefulness of recording brain oscillations in memory loss, attention deficit, and learning.
The aim of the present study was to examine whether the neural structures subserving meditation can be reproducibly measured, and, if so, whether they are different from those supporting the resting state of normal consciousness. Cerebral blood flow distribution was investigated with the 15O-H2O PET technique in nine young adults, who were highly experienced yoga teachers, during the relaxation meditation (Yoga Nidra), and during the resting state of normal consciousness. In addition, global CBF was measured in two of the subjects. Spectral EEG analysis was performed throughout the investigations. In meditation, differential activity was seen, with the noticeable exception of V1, in the posterior sensory and associative cortices known to participate in imagery tasks. In the resting state of normal consciousness (compared with meditation as a baseline), differential activity was found in dorso-lateral and orbital frontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyri, left temporal gyri, left inferior parietal lobule, striatal and thalamic regions, pons and cerebellar vermis and hemispheres, structures thought to support an executive attentional network. The mean global flow remained unchanged for both subjects throughout the investigation (39 ± 5 and 38 ± 4 ml/100 g/min, uncorrected for partial volume effects). It is concluded that the H215O PET method may measure CBF distribution in the meditative state as well as during the resting state of normal consciousness, and that characteristic patterns of neural activity support each state. These findings enhance our understanding of the neural basis of different aspects of consciousness. Hum. Brain Mapping 7:98–105, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Despite the growing interest in the neurobiological and clinical correlates of many meditative practices, in particular mindfulness meditations, no review has specifically focused on current evidence on electroencephalographic, neuroimaging, biological, and clinical evidence about an important traditional practice, Zen meditation.
A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, the ISI Web of Knowledge, the Cochrane collaboration database, and references of selected articles. Randomized controlled and cross-sectional studies with controls published in English prior to May 2008 were included.
Electroencephalographic studies on Zen meditation found increased alpha and theta activity, generally related to relaxation, in many brain regions, including the frontal cortex. Theta activity in particular seemed to be related to the degree of experience, being greater in expert practitioners and advanced masters. Moreover, Zen meditation practice could protect from cognitive decline usually associated with age and enhance antioxidant activity. From a clinical point of view, Zen meditation was found to reduce stress and blood pressure, and be efficacious for a variety of conditions, as suggested by positive findings in therapists and musicians.
To date, actual evidence about Zen meditation is scarce and highlights the necessity of further investigations. Comparison with further active treatments, explanation of possible mechanisms of action, and the limitations of current evidence are discussed.
While for centuries a wakeful and tranquil state or experience variously called "samadhi," "pure awareness," or "enlightenment" had been said to be a normal experience and the goal of meditation in Vedic, Buddhist, and Taoist traditions, there was little known about this behavior until recently, when the practice of "transcendental meditation" (TM) became available for study in Western scientific laboratories. Derived from the Vedic tradition, TM is unique because it requires no special circumstances or effort for practice. Based upon a wide spectrum of physiological data on TM, we hypothesize that meditation is an integrated response with peripheral circulatory and metabolic changes subserving increased central nervous activity. Consistent with the subjective description of meditation as a very relaxed but, at the same time, a very alert state, it is likely that such findings during meditation as increased cardiac output, probable increased cerebral blood flow, and findings reminiscent of the "extraordinary" character of classical reports: apparent cessation of CO2 generation by muscle, fivefold plasma AVP elevation, and EEG synchrony play critical roles in this putative response.
In rodents, theta rhythm has been linked to the hippocampal formation, as well as other regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). To test the role of the ACC in theta rhythm, concurrent measurements of brain electrical activity (EEG) and glucose metabolism (PET) were performed in 29 subjects at baseline. EEG data were analyzed with a source localization technique that enabled voxelwise correlations of EEG and PET data. For theta, but not other bands, the rostral ACC (Brodmann areas 24/32) was the largest cluster with positive correlations between current density and glucose metabolism. Positive correlations were also found in right fronto-temporal regions. In control but not depressed subjects, theta within ACC and prefrontal/orbitofrontal regions was positively correlated. The results reveal a link between theta and cerebral metabolism in the ACC as well as disruption of functional connectivity within frontocingulate pathways in depression.
Meditation can be conceptualized as a family of complex emotional and attentional regulatory training regimes developed for various ends, including the cultivation of well-being and emotional balance. Among these various practices, there are two styles that are commonly studied. One style, focused attention meditation, entails the voluntary focusing of attention on a chosen object. The other style, open monitoring meditation, involves nonreactive monitoring of the content of experience from moment to moment. The potential regulatory functions of these practices on attention and emotion processes could have a long-term impact on the brain and behavior.
The Neuroscience of Mindfulness Meditation: How the Body and Mind Work Together to Change Our Behavior? Springer Nature
- Y Y Tang
Tang YY: The Neuroscience of Mindfulness Meditation: How the
Body and Mind Work Together to Change Our Behavior? Springer
Nature; 2017.