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Usman M, Jung T, Hsin D, Lin C. The effect of Zentangle on cognitive focus, emotional well-being, and stress levels: A neural perspective. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3628. [PMID: 39169432 PMCID: PMC11338741 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to assess how a Zentangle intervention influences cognitive focus, emotional well-being, stress levels, and neural activity patterns across brain regions and frequency bands. METHOD A cohort of 30 healthy adults, all without prior Zentangle experience, participated in this study. Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure their brain activity, and self-reported data were collected through questionnaires to assess subjects' concentration levels, emotional calm, and stress and anxiety. FINDINGS Participants reported enhanced cognitive focus and emotional well-being, evidenced by increased self-reported concentration and emotional calmness, and reduced stress and anxiety levels during the intervention. EEG analyses revealed notable changes in neural activity patterns, including decreased delta power and increased theta, alpha, beta, and gamma bands. Functional connectivity analysis also highlighted alterations in the brain's functional connectivity, suggesting potential effects on neural communication and information processing. CONCLUSION This study provides compelling evidence of Zentangle's impact on EEG data, aligning it with equanimity and tranquility consistent with previous mindfulness research. These findings underscore Zentangle as an effective mindfulness practice, potentially enhancing cognitive focus and emotional well-being, and emerging as a valuable intervention for improving mental health and overall well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Usman
- International Ph.D. Program in Innovative Technology of Biomedical Engineering and Medical DevicesMing Chi University of TechnologyNew Taipei CityTaiwan
| | - Tzzy‐Ping Jung
- Institute for Neural Computation and Institute of Engineering in MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ding‐Yun Hsin
- Taipei Municipal Yangming High SchoolTaipei CityTaiwan
| | - Chun‐Ling Lin
- Department of Electrical EngineeringMing Chi University of TechnologyNew Taipei CityTaiwan
- Department of Electronic EngineeringNational Taipei University of TechnologyTaipeiTaiwan
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Biao D, Umoh K, Qiguang C, Xiaole W, Ting F, Yuqian Y, Jinchao Z, Fushui L. The Role of Mindfulness Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024:10.1007/s11916-024-01284-w. [PMID: 38951466 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01284-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Mindfulness therapy is a widely used treatment for many diseases and has been shown to improve pain-related functions. There is growing support for the use of psychotherapy in the treatment of chronic pain. While studies have shown a positive effect of mindfulness therapy, it is important to consider psychosocial factors as there are still a small number of studies that question its effectiveness. RECENT FINDINGS Based on current studies, mindfulness therapy involves cognitive factors related to chronic pain, both in terms of cognitive production and its impact on cognitive control. Psychological and neurobasic studies were reviewed to provide a deeper understanding of these components, which include thought inhibition, attention deficit, pain catastrophizing, and self-efficacy. Mindfulness therapy has the potential to normalize psychology and nerves, and increase internal and external connectivity to work networks related to stress perception, cognition, and emotion. However, further research is needed to fully understand its effects. By exploring the relationship between mindfulness therapy and chronic pain. This review provides a new avenue for future research in psychotherapy for patients with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Biao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - KuyikAbasi Umoh
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Cao Qiguang
- Apartment of Acupotomy and Chiropractic, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Wang Xiaole
- Apartment of Acupotomy and Chiropractic, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China.
| | - Fang Ting
- Apartment of Acupotomy and Chiropractic, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Yang Yuqian
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhu Jinchao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Liu Fushui
- Apartment of Acupotomy and Chiropractic, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China.
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Chin P, Gorman F, Beck F, Russell BR, Stephan KE, Harrison OK. A systematic review of brief respiratory, embodiment, cognitive, and mindfulness interventions to reduce state anxiety. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1412928. [PMID: 38933581 PMCID: PMC11203600 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1412928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, and psychotherapeutic techniques can be employed to help manage and mitigate symptoms. While the available therapies are numerous, key strategies often involve cognitive and/or embodiment techniques. Within body-centered methods, breathing-oriented approaches are particularly prevalent, using either attention towards or active control of breathing. As the perception of body states (i.e., interoception) is thought to be an integral component of emotion generation, these embodiment and breathing techniques may be key in addressing the miscommunication between the brain and body that is thought to exist with anxiety. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of acute administration of psychological interventions for state anxiety. Results This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement and registered prospectively in PROSPERO. A literature search for randomized controlled trials was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. We considered interventions that focused on cognitive, embodiment or breathing strategies, or a combination of these techniques. Twelve studies met our inclusion criteria, and study characteristics, quality and effect sizes were assessed. A single cognitive study was found to produce a moderate reduction in state anxiety, while moderate to large effects were found across studies assessing embodiment practices. In contrast, studies which utilized breathing-based interventions alone produced inconsistent results, with both attention towards and active control of breathing producing large to no effects depending on the technique employed. Finally, consistent moderate effects were found with combination techniques that involved passive attention (e.g., towards cognitions, body and/or breathing), with active combination techniques producing inconsistent results. Discussion While study numbers are limited regarding brief interventions, cognitive and embodiment techniques are consistently helpful for reducing state anxiety, while breathing-based exercises need to consider the specific technique employed, and how successful this may be for each individual. Furthermore, combined practices such as mindfulness can also be successful, although care must be taken when introducing an active change to one or more elements. PROSPERO Systematic Review Registration Number CRD42024507585 Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024507585.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Chin
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Faye Gorman
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Ngāpuhi, New Zealand
- Ngāti Kahu, New Zealand
| | - Fraser Beck
- Ngāi Tahu, New Zealand
- Optimal Health Model Ltd., Glenorchy, New Zealand
| | | | - Klaas E. Stephan
- Translational Neuromodeling Unit, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Olivia K. Harrison
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Translational Neuromodeling Unit, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Merlet I, Guillery M, Weyl L, Hammal M, Maliia M, Maliia S, Biraben A, Ricordeau C, Drapier D, Nica A. EEG changes induced by meditative practices: State and trait effects in healthy subjects and in patients with epilepsy. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024; 180:326-347. [PMID: 38503588 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2024.02.387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The effect of meditation on brain activity has been the topic of many studies in healthy subjects and in patients suffering from chronic diseases. These effects are either explored during meditation practice (state effects) or as a longer-term result of meditation training during the resting-state (trait). The topic of this article is to first review these findings by focusing on electroencephalography (EEG) changes in healthy subjects with or without experience in meditation. Modifications in EEG baseline rhythms, functional connectivity and advanced nonlinear parameters are discussed in regard to feasibility in clinical applications. Secondly, we provide a state-of-the-art of studies that proposed meditative practices as a complementary therapy in patients with epilepsy, in whom anxiety and depressive symptoms are prevalent. In these studies, the effects of standardized meditation programs including elements of traditional meditation practices such as mindfulness, loving-kindness and compassion are explored both at the level of psychological functioning and on the occurrence of seizures. Lastly, preliminary results are given regarding our ongoing study, the aim of which is to quantify the effects of a mindfulness self-compassion (MSC) practice on interictal and ictal epileptic activity. Feasibility, difficulties, and prospects of this study are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Merlet
- Universitiy of Rennes, INSERM, LTSI - UMR 1099, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - M Guillery
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume-Regnier (CHGR), University of Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - L Weyl
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume-Regnier (CHGR), University of Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - M Hammal
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume-Regnier (CHGR), University of Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - M Maliia
- Universitiy of Rennes, INSERM, LTSI - UMR 1099, F-35000 Rennes, France; Epilepsy Unit, Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Neurology Department, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; Center for Clinical Investigation CIC-P INSERM 1414, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - S Maliia
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume-Regnier (CHGR), University of Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - A Biraben
- Universitiy of Rennes, INSERM, LTSI - UMR 1099, F-35000 Rennes, France; Epilepsy Unit, Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Neurology Department, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; Center for Clinical Investigation CIC-P INSERM 1414, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - C Ricordeau
- Epilepsy Resource Team, 54, rue Saint-Helier, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - D Drapier
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume-Regnier (CHGR), University of Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - A Nica
- Universitiy of Rennes, INSERM, LTSI - UMR 1099, F-35000 Rennes, France; Epilepsy Unit, Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Neurology Department, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; Center for Clinical Investigation CIC-P INSERM 1414, F-35000 Rennes, France.
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Williams M, Honan C, Skromanis S, Sanderson B, Matthews AJ. Psychological and attentional outcomes following acute mindfulness induction among high anxiety individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 170:361-374. [PMID: 38215647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Training outcomes of mindfulness interventions for anxiety have been extensively researched. Less is known about the acute effects of mindfulness induction and associated mechanisms. This systematic review aimed to identify 1) the effect of mindfulness induction on pre-post measures of state anxiety and attention among adults experiencing high levels of anxiety; and 2) the impact of predictors, mediators and moderators on post-induction changes in anxiety and attention. State distress and mindfulness were included as secondary outcomes. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in November 2021 in electronic databases using relevant search terms. Five studies (four randomised controlled trials and one non-randomised controlled trial) were included, comprising a total of 277 participants with elevated trait/generalised anxiety. Each study used a brief audio-based mindfulness induction exercise. RESULTS The meta-analysis indicated mindfulness induction had medium and large effects on state anxiety (k = 3, n = 100, g = -0.60, 95%CI [-1.04, -0.16]; p = .008) and state mindfulness (k = 2, n = 110, g = 0.91, 95%CI [0.52, 1.30], p < .001), respectively, when compared with non-therapeutic control conditions. Furthermore, two studies showed small and moderate effects of mindfulness on state anxiety when compared to therapeutic active controls, but were not pooled in a meta-analysis. While results could not be pooled for attention, there was limited evidence of behavioural improvements on tasks measuring aspects of attention following mindfulness induction. However, one study found an increase in Low Beta to High Beta ratio and a reduction in Beta activity in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex following mindfulness induction. Moreover, another study found aspects of state mindfulness mediated reductions in state anxiety. LIMITATIONS A small number of studies were included in the review, with high risk of bias and low certainty of evidence present. CONCLUSION The findings support the use of mindfulness induction to reduce state anxiety in anxious individuals but suggest gains in state mindfulness may be a more realistic expected outcome. Further controlled trials are needed to delineate the relative effects of objectively assessed anxiety outcomes from mindfulness induction in clinically defined samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Williams
- School of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 30, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 7001.
| | - Cynthia Honan
- School of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, 7250
| | - Sarah Skromanis
- School of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, 7250
| | - Ben Sanderson
- School of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 30, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 7001
| | - Allison J Matthews
- School of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 30, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 7001
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