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Abellaneda-Pérez K, Potash RM, Pascual-Leone A, Sacchet MD. Neuromodulation and meditation: A review and synthesis toward promoting well-being and understanding consciousness and brain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 166:105862. [PMID: 39186992 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
The neuroscience of meditation is providing insight into meditation's beneficial effects on well-being and informing understanding of consciousness. However, further research is needed to explicate mechanisms linking brain activity and meditation. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) presents a promising approach for causally investigating neural mechanisms of meditation. Prior NIBS-meditation research has predominantly targeted frontal and parietal cortices suggesting that it might be possible to boost the behavioral and neural effects of meditation with NIBS. Moreover, NIBS has revealed distinct neural signatures in long-term meditators. Nonetheless, methodological variations in NIBS-meditation research contributes to challenges for definitive interpretation of previous results. Future NIBS studies should further investigate core substrates of meditation, including specific brain networks and oscillations, and causal neural mechanisms of advanced meditation. Overall, NIBS-meditation research holds promise for enhancing meditation-based interventions in support of well-being and resilience in both non-clinical and clinical populations, and for uncovering the brain-mind mechanisms of meditation and consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Abellaneda-Pérez
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació adscrit a la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ruby M Potash
- Meditation Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Alvaro Pascual-Leone
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research and Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew D Sacchet
- Meditation Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.
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2
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Amaral CC, Fernandez MDS, Chisini LA, Boscato N, Jansen K, Goettems ML. Sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation in the management of sleep bruxism in children: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Int J Paediatr Dent 2024. [PMID: 38769624 DOI: 10.1111/ipd.13212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep hygiene measures and meditation may reduce stress and improve sleep quality, but their effect on the occurrence of sleep bruxism in children has not yet been investigated. AIM To explore the effects of sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation (relaxation audio) in the management of probable sleep bruxism (SB) in children. DESIGN This clinical trial (no. NCT04501237) randomized 36 children with 3-8 years of age. Probable SB detection was performed according to the criteria established by the International Consensus on The Assessment of Bruxism-2018. Intervention group was instructed to practice sleep hygiene measures and mindfulness meditation (i.e., the use of a digital app to broadcast audio relaxation) each night before bedtime for 5 weeks; control group did not receive guidance for therapies. Parents completed a bruxism diary for 5 weeks, and the outcome was the number of SB episodes-day reported in the week (ranging from 0 to 7) in each period. A multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression model was performed. RESULTS A total of 32 children (mean age: 6.1 years) completed the study. The children who received the therapies related to sleep hygiene measures and mindfulness meditation had a reduction in the SB incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 46% (IRR = 0.54 [Confidence Interval 95%, 0.45-0.65]) during a 5-week observation period. The sensitivity analyses did not show relevant changes in the measure of the effect. CONCLUSION Sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation reduced the SB in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Noeli Boscato
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Karen Jansen
- Graduate Program in Health and Behavior, Catholic University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
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van Lutterveld R, Chowdhury A, Ingram DM, Sacchet MD. Neurophenomenological Investigation of Mindfulness Meditation "Cessation" Experiences Using EEG Network Analysis in an Intensively Sampled Adept Meditator. Brain Topogr 2024:10.1007/s10548-024-01052-4. [PMID: 38703334 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-024-01052-4] [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] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation is a contemplative practice that is informed by Buddhism. It has been proven effective for improving mental and physical health in clinical and non-clinical contexts. To date, mainstream dialogue and scientific research on mindfulness has focused primarily on short-term mindfulness training and applications of mindfulness for reducing stress. Understanding advanced mindfulness practice has important implications for mental health and general wellbeing. According to Theravada Buddhist meditation, a "cessation" event is a dramatic experience of profound clarity and equanimity that involves a complete discontinuation in experience, and is evidence of mastery of mindfulness meditation. Thirty-seven cessation events were captured in a single intensively sampled advanced meditator (over 6,000 h of retreat mindfulness meditation training) while recording electroencephalography (EEG) in 29 sessions between November 12, 2019 and March 11, 2020. Functional connectivity and network integration were assessed from 40 s prior to cessations to 40 s after cessations. From 21 s prior to cessations there was a linear decrease in large-scale functional interactions at the whole-brain level in the alpha band. In the 40 s following cessations these interactions linearly returned to prior levels. No modulation of network integration was observed. The decrease in whole-brain functional connectivity was underlain by frontal to left temporal and to more posterior decreases in connectivity, while the increase was underlain by wide-spread increases in connectivity. These results provide neuroscientific evidence of large-scale modulation of brain activity related to cessation events that provides a foundation for future studies of advanced meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remko van Lutterveld
- Brain Research and Innovation Centre and Department of Psychiatry, Ministry of Defence and University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Avijit Chowdhury
- Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | | | - Matthew D Sacchet
- Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
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4
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Liebherr M, Brandtner A, Brand M, Tang YY. Digital mindfulness training and cognitive functions: A preregistered systematic review of neuropsychological findings. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1532:37-49. [PMID: 38197226 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Traditional mindfulness interventions have been frequently reported to be effective in improving cognitive functions. In recent years, however, traditional programs are being increasingly replaced by technology-enabled mindfulness training programs. The aim of the present systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021289480) is to evaluate the research evidence on their effects on cognitive functions. Empirical training studies in the realm of digital mindfulness training that fulfilled the inclusion criteria led to 19 studies and 1654 participants being included in this review from among the papers searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge. Results support previous assumptions on the potential of digital mindfulness training, with the most robust effect on attention control, followed by executive regulation, memory, cognitive flexibility, and other cognitive functions. However, the number of studies that did not find significant changes at least equaled, if not exceeded, the number of studies that found increases. The heterogeneity of identified studies prompted us to discuss several aspects in order to help the future development of digital applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Liebherr
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Essen, Germany
| | - Annika Brandtner
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Brand
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Essen, Germany
| | - Yi-Yuan Tang
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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5
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Gu YQ, Zhu Y. Underlying mechanisms of mindfulness meditation: Genomics, circuits, and networks. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:1141-1149. [PMID: 36186506 PMCID: PMC9521538 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i9.1141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding neuropsychological mechanisms of mindfulness meditation (MM) has been a hot topic in recent years. This review was conducted with the goal of synthesizing empirical relationships via the genomics, circuits and networks between MM and mental disorders. We describe progress made in assessing the effects of MM on gene expression in immune cells, with particular focus on stress-related inflammatory markers and associated biological pathways. We then focus on key brain circuits associated with mindfulness practices and effects on symptoms of mental disorders, and expand our discussion to identify three key brain networks associated with mindfulness practices including default mode network, central executive network, and salience network. More research efforts need to be devoted into identifying underlying neuropsychological mechanisms of MM on how it alleviates the symptoms of mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Qi Gu
- Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- School of Psychology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
- Department of Psychology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570102, Hainan Province, China
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6
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Puranen JP. Bodily obsessions: intrusiveness of organs in somatic obsessive-compulsive disorder. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2022; 25:439-448. [PMID: 35618866 PMCID: PMC9427868 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-022-10090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, I will provide a phenomenological analysis of somatic obsessions at times present in obsessive-compulsive disorder. I will compare two different types of bodily obsessions, which have a different neurological-physiological underpinning: anguishing awareness of one's own heartbeat and of one's own breathing. In addition, I will contrast these two with how one experiences one's own liver. I will use the concepts "tactility obsessions" and "motility obsessions", which I have coined for the purpose of this comparison. In other words, these are obsessions concerning the felt sense of one's autonomous organs and obsessions concerning one's ability to voluntarily move. Ultimately, I claim that the core lived experience in somatic obsessive-compulsive disorder should not only be understood as having to do with intruding and "distorted thoughts" concerning bodily processes, but could also be understood as having to do with a felt sense of our organs interrupting and intruding our daily lives.
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7
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Cordeiro Santos ML, da Silva Júnior RT, de Brito BB, França da Silva FA, Santos Marques H, Lima de Souza Gonçalves V, Costa dos Santos T, Ladeia Cirne C, Silva NOE, Oliveira MV, de Melo FF. Non-pharmacological management of pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders: Current evidence and future perspectives. World J Clin Pediatr 2022; 11:105-119. [PMID: 35433299 PMCID: PMC8985495 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v11.i2.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) are an important and prevalent cause of functional gastrointestinal disorders among children, encompassing the diagnoses of functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal migraine, and the one not previously present in Rome III, functional abdominal pain not otherwise specified. In the absence of sufficiently effective and safe pharmacological treatments for this public problem, non-pharmacological therapies emerge as a viable means of treating these patients, avoiding not only possible side effects, but also unnecessary prescription, since many of the pharmacological treatments prescribed do not have good efficacy when compared to placebo. Thus, the present study provides a review of current and relevant evidence on non-pharmacological management of FAPDs, covering the most commonly indicated treatments, from cognitive behavioral therapy to meditation, acupuncture, yoga, massage, spinal manipulation, moxibustion, and physical activities. In addition, this article also analyzes the quality of publications in the area, assessing whether it is possible to state if non-pharmacological therapies are viable, safe, and sufficiently well-based for an appropriate and effective prescription of these treatments. Finally, it is possible to observe an increase not only in the number of publications on the non-pharmacological treatments for FAPDs in recent years, but also an increase in the quality of these publications. Finally, the sample selection of satisfactory age groups in these studies enables the formulation of specific guidelines for this age group, thus avoiding the need for adaptation of prescriptions initially made for adults, but for children use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luísa Cordeiro Santos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Breno Bittencourt de Brito
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Hanna Santos Marques
- Campus Vitória da Conquista, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45083-900, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Talita Costa dos Santos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Carolina Ladeia Cirne
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Natália Oliveira e Silva
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Márcio Vasconcelos Oliveira
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freire de Melo
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
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8
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Gu Y, Zhu Y, Brown KW. Mindfulness and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Neuropsychological Perspective. J Nerv Ment Dis 2021; 209:796-801. [PMID: 34292276 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Understanding the underlying mechanisms of mindfulness has been a hot topic in recent years, not only in clinical fields but also in neuroscience. Most neuroimaging findings demonstrate that critical brain regions involved in mindfulness are responsible for cognitive functions and mental states. However, the brain is a complex system operating via multiple circuits and networks, rather than isolated brain regions solely responsible for specific functions. Mindfulness-based treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have emerged as promising adjunctive or alternative intervention approaches. We focus on four key brain circuits associated with mindfulness practices and effects on symptoms of ADHD and its cognitive dysfunction, including executive attention circuit, sustained attention circuit, impulsivity circuit, and hyperactivity circuit. We also expand our discussion to identify three key brain networks associated with mindfulness practices, including central executive network, default mode network, and salience network. We conclude by suggesting that more research efforts need to be devoted into identifying putative neuropsychological mechanisms of mindfulness on how it alleviates ADHD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Gu
- Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou
| | | | - Kirk Warren Brown
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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9
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Menglu S, Ruiwen L, Suyong Y, Dong Z. Effects of Tai Chi on the Executive Function and Physical Fitness of Female Methamphetamine Dependents: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:653229. [PMID: 34177646 PMCID: PMC8222617 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.653229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Exercise improves the health and mental status of drug dependents. The way by which Tai Chi (TC) as a special exercise treatment affects executive functions (EFs) of methamphetamine (MA) dependents is yet to be established. This study aimed to explore the effects of TC on the EFs and physical fitness of MA dependents. Methods: A total of 76 female MA dependents were randomly assigned to the exercise and control groups. The exercise group underwent three 60-min sessions of TC training per week for 12 weeks. The control group was trained with conventional exercises including the 9th Guang Bo Ti Cao and square dance. Physical fitness and EF assessments that evaluated inhibitory control (IC, go/no-go task), working memory (3-back task) and cognitive flexibility (switching task) were performed at baseline and at 12 weeks. A repeated-measures ANOVA was applied to analyze the differences of group and time. Results: The exercise group showed decreased response time (RT) with a significant main effect of time on the go/no-go task [F (1, 68) = 9.6, p < 0.05]. The interaction effect between time and group was significant on accuracy [F (1, 61) = 4.73, p < 0.05], and the main effect of time was significant on RT [F (1, 61) = 4.66, p < 0.05] in the 3-back task of the exercise group. Significant changes in BMI [F (1, 68) = 19.57, p < 0.05], vital capacity [F (1, 68) = 6.00, p < 0.05], and systolic blood pressure [F (1, 68) = 6.11, p < 0.05] were observed in the exercise group. Conclusion: These findings showed that 3 months of TC training can improve the IC and maintain the working memory and cognitive flexibility of MA dependents. Other data implied that TC may improve the physical fitness of MA dependents. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn/, ChiCTR1900022091.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Menglu
- Wushu College, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Ruiwen
- Wushu College, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Suyong
- School of Sport Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu Dong
- School of International Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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10
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Young JH, Arterberry ME, Martin JP. Contrasting Electroencephalography-Derived Entropy and Neural Oscillations With Highly Skilled Meditators. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:628417. [PMID: 33994976 PMCID: PMC8119624 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.628417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Meditation is an umbrella term for a number of mental training practices designed to improve the monitoring and regulation of attention and emotion. Some forms of meditation are now being used for clinical intervention. To accompany the increased clinical interest in meditation, research investigating the neural basis of these practices is needed. A central hypothesis of contemplative neuroscience is that meditative states, which are unique on a phenomenological level, differ on a neurophysiological level. To identify the electrophysiological correlates of meditation practice, the electrical brain activity of highly skilled meditators engaging in one of six meditation styles (shamatha, vipassana, zazen, dzogchen, tonglen, and visualization) was recorded. A mind-wandering task served as a control. Lempel-Ziv complexity showed differences in nonlinear brain dynamics (entropy) during meditation compared with mind wandering, suggesting that meditation, regardless of practice, affects neural complexity. In contrast, there were no differences in power spectra at six different frequency bands, likely due to the fact that participants engaged in different meditation practices. Finally, exploratory analyses suggest neurological differences among meditation practices. These findings highlight the importance of studying the electroencephalography (EEG) correlates of different meditative practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob H. Young
- Department of Biology, Colby College, Waterville, ME, United States
- Department of Psychology, Colby College, Waterville, ME, United States
| | | | - Joshua P. Martin
- Department of Biology, Colby College, Waterville, ME, United States
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11
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Zheng YL, Wang DX, Zhang YR, Tang YY. Enhancing Attention by Synchronizing Respiration and Fingertip Pressure: A Pilot Study Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1209. [PMID: 31780888 PMCID: PMC6861189 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sustained attention is a fundamental ability ensuring effective cognitive processing and can be enhanced by meditation practice. However, keeping a focused meditative state is challenging for novices because involuntary mind-wandering frequently occurs during their practice. Inspired by the potential of force-control tasks in invoking internal somatic attention, we proposed a haptics-assisted meditation (HAM) to help reduce mind-wandering and enhance attention. During HAM, participants were instructed to maintain awareness on the respiration and meanwhile adjust bimanual fingertip pressures to keep synchronized with the respiration. This paradigm required somatosensory attention as a physiological foundation, aiming to help novices meditate starting with the body and gradually gain essential meditation skills. A cross-sectional study on 12 novices indicated that the participants reported less mind-wandering during HAM compared with the classic breath-counting meditation (BCM). In a further longitudinal study, the experimental group with 10 novices showed significantly improved performance in several attentional tests after 5 days' practice of HAM. They tended to show more significant improvements in a few tests than did the control group performing the 5-day BCM practice. To investigate the brain activities related to HAM, we applied functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to record cerebral hemodynamic responses from the prefrontal and sensorimotor cortices when performing HAM, and we assessed the changes in cerebral activation and functional connectivity (FC) after the 5-day HAM practice. The prefrontal and sensorimotor regions demonstrated a uniform activation when performing HAM, and there was a significant increase in the right prefrontal activation after the practice. We also observed significant changes in the FC between the brain regions related to the attention networks. These behavioral and neural findings together provided preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of HAM on attention enhancement in the early stage of meditation learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dang-Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Ru Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Yuan Tang
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
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12
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Enhanced response inhibition and reduced midfrontal theta activity in experienced Vipassana meditators. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13215. [PMID: 31519984 PMCID: PMC6744491 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49714-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Response inhibition - the ability to suppress inappropriate thoughts and actions - is a fundamental aspect of cognitive control. Recent research suggests that mental training by meditation may improve cognitive control. Yet, it is still unclear if and how, at the neural level, long-term meditation practice may affect (emotional) response inhibition. The present study aimed to address this outstanding question, and used an emotional Go/Nogo task and electroencephalography (EEG) to examine possible differences in behavioral and electrophysiological indices of response inhibition between Vipassana meditators and an experience-matched active control group (athletes). Behaviorally, meditators made significantly less errors than controls on the emotional Go/Nogo task, independent of the emotional context, while being equally fast. This improvement in response inhibition at the behavioral level was accompanied by a decrease in midfrontal theta activity in Nogo vs. Go trials in the meditators compared to controls. Yet, no changes in ERP indices of response inhibition, as indexed by the amplitude of the N2 and P3 components, were observed. Finally, the meditators subjectively evaluated the emotional pictures lower in valence and arousal. Collectively, these results suggest that meditation may improve response inhibition and control over emotional reactivity.
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13
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Zhang Q, Wang Z, Wang X, Liu L, Zhang J, Zhou R. The Effects of Different Stages of Mindfulness Meditation Training on Emotion Regulation. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:208. [PMID: 31316361 PMCID: PMC6610260 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined mood enhancement effects from 4-week focusing attention (FA) meditation and 4-week open monitoring (OM) meditation in an 8-week mindfulness training program designed for ordinary individuals. Forty participants were randomly assigned to a training group or a control group. All participants were asked to perform cognitive tasks and subjective scale tests at three time points (pre-, mid-, and post-tests). Compared with the participants in the control group, the participants in the meditation training group showed significantly decreased anxiety, depression, and rumination scores; significantly increased mindfulness scores; and significantly reduced reaction times (RTs) in the incongruent condition for the Stroop task. The present study demonstrated that 8-week mindfulness meditation training could effectively enhance the level of mindfulness and improve emotional states. Moreover, FA meditation could partially improve individual levels of mindfulness and effectively improve mood, while OM meditation could further improve individual levels of mindfulness and maintain a positive mood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- College of Teacher Education, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinqiang Wang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Psychology, College of Teacher Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Renlai Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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14
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Tang YY, Tang R, Rothbart MK, Posner MI. Frontal theta activity and white matter plasticity following mindfulness meditation. Curr Opin Psychol 2019; 28:294-297. [PMID: 31082635 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Both brain alpha and theta power have been examined in the mindfulness meditation literature and suggested as key biological signatures that potentially facilitate a successful meditative state. However, the exact role of how alpha and theta waves contribute to the initiation and maintenance of a meditative state remains elusive. In this perspective paper, we discuss the role of frontal midline theta (FMθ) activity in brain white matter plasticity following mindfulness meditation. In accordance with the previous studies in humans, we propose that FMθ activity indexes the control needed to maintain the meditation state; whereas alpha activity is related to the preparation needed to achieve the meditative state. Without enough mental preparation, one often struggles with and has difficulty achieving a meditative state. Animal work provides further evidence supporting the hypothesis that mindfulness meditation induces white matter changes through increasing FMθ activity. These studies shed light on how to effectively enhance brain plasticity through mindfulness meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yuan Tang
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Rongxiang Tang
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mary K Rothbart
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
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Berkovich-Ohana A, Jennings PA, Lavy S. Contemplative neuroscience, self-awareness, and education. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2019; 244:355-385. [PMID: 30732845 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating research in education shows that contemplative practices contribute to and foster well-being of individuals in sustainable ways. This bears special importance for teachers, as it affects not only them but also their students. Based on accumulating behavioral and neuroscientific findings, it has been suggested that a key process by which mindfulness meditation enhances self-regulation is the altering of self-awareness. Indeed, accumulated work shows that the underlying networks supporting various types of self-awareness are malleable following meditative practice. However, the field of education has developed independently from the study of the self and its relation to contemplative neuroscience thus far, and to date there is no systematic account linking this accumulating body of knowledge to the field of education or discussing how it might be relevant to teachers. Here we show how incorporating insights from contemplative neuroscience-which are built on the conceptualization and neuroscience of the self-into contemplative pedagogy can inform the field and might even serve as a core underlying mechanism tying together different empirical evidence. This review points to potential neural mechanisms by which mindfulness meditation helps teachers manage stress and promote supportive learning environments, resulting in improved educational outcomes, and thus it has significant implications for educational policy regarding teachers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviva Berkovich-Ohana
- Edmond J. Safra Brain Research Center for the Study of Learning Disabilities, Faculty of Education, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Patricia A Jennings
- Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Shiri Lavy
- Faculty of Education, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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16
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Hussain N, Said ASA. Mindfulness-Based Meditation Versus Progressive Relaxation Meditation: Impact on Chronic Pain in Older Female Patients With Diabetic Neuropathy. J Evid Based Integr Med 2019; 24:2515690X19876599. [PMID: 31544476 PMCID: PMC6757487 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x19876599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain, the most common complication of diabetes, is treated with medication often to no avail. Our study aimed to compare the use of mindfulness meditation and progressive relaxation to reduce chronic pain in older females with diabetes. Methods The 105 study participants were divided randomly into 3 groups: Group MM (mindfulness meditation), Group CM (control meditation), and Group PM (progressive relaxation meditation). Assessment of analgesic effectiveness required changes in average daily pain Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) modified for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and Patient Global Impression of Change using descriptive statistics, Student's t test, and analysis of variance where applicable. Results Both Groups MM and PM experienced significant (P < .05) reduction in average daily pain in last 24 hours at study end compared to baseline (28.7% and 39.7%, respectively). Group MM had more significant (P < .01) reduction of pain compared to control, a score of 5.2 ± 1.2 dropped to 3.0 ± 1.1 by week 12 of treatment. Groups MM and PM showed significant improvement in patients' impression at study end, 75 ± 5.1% (n = 36) and 61 ± 6.5% (n = 32), respectively. In Group MM, patient satisfaction scores increased significantly (P < .05) to 3.8 ± 1.9 by week 12. Conclusion Integrative therapies such as mindfulness meditation can be part of a comprehensive pain management plan. Benefits include reduction of pain-related medication consumption, better treatment outcomes, improvement in comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as no risk of addiction or abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Hussain
- Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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17
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Liu Z, Wu Y, Li L, Guo X. Functional Connectivity Within the Executive Control Network Mediates the Effects of Long-Term Tai Chi Exercise on Elders' Emotion Regulation. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:315. [PMID: 30405392 PMCID: PMC6205982 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has identified the effects of tai chi exercise on elders' executive control or on their emotion regulation. However, few works have attempted to reveal the relationships between tai chi, executive control, and emotion regulation in the same study. The current resting-state study investigated whether the impact of tai chi on elders' emotion regulation was mediated by the resting-state functional connectivity within the executive control network. A total of 26 elders with long-term tai chi experience and 26 demographically matched healthy elders were recruited. After the resting-state scan, both groups were required to complete a series of questionnaires, including the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and a sequential decision task, which offered an index of the subjects' emotion-regulation ability by calculating how their emotional response could be affected by the objective outcomes of their decisions. Compared to the control group, the tai chi group showed higher levels of non-judgment of inner experiences (a component of the FFMQ), stronger emotion-regulation ability, and a weaker resting-state functional connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the middle frontal gyrus (MFG). Moreover, the functional connectivity between the DLPFC and the MFG in the tai chi group fully mediated the impact of non-judgment of inner experience on their emotion-regulation ability. These findings highlighted that the modulation of non-judgment of inner experience on long-term tai chi practitioners' emotion regulation was achieved through decreased functional connectivity within the executive control network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Liu
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Materials Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyan Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Materials Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Li
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuyan Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, School of Physics and Materials Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, Ministry of Education, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Tsai SY, Jaiswal S, Chang CF, Liang WK, Muggleton NG, Juan CH. Meditation Effects on the Control of Involuntary Contingent Reorienting Revealed With Electroencephalographic and Behavioral Evidence. Front Integr Neurosci 2018; 12:17. [PMID: 29867385 PMCID: PMC5962705 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2018.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior studies have reported that meditation may improve cognitive functions and those related to attention in particular. Here, the dynamic process of attentional control, which allows subjects to focus attention on their current interests, was investigated. Concentrative meditation aims to cultivate the abilities of continuous focus and redirecting attention from distractions to the object of focus during meditation. However, it remains unclear how meditation may influence attentional reorientation, which involves interaction between both top-down and bottom-up processes. We aimed to investigate the modulating effect of meditation on the mechanisms of contingent reorienting by employing a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) task in conjunction with electrophysiological recording. We recruited 26 meditators who had an average of 2.9 years of meditation experience and a control group comprising 26 individuals without any prior experience of meditation. All subjects performed a 30-min meditation and a rest condition with data collected pre- and post-intervention, with each intervention given on different days. The state effect of meditation improved overall accuracy for all subjects irrespective of their group. A group difference was observed across interventions, showing that meditators were more accurate and more efficient at attentional suppression, represented by a larger Pd (distractor positive) amplitude of event related modes (ERMs), for target-like distractors than the control group. The findings suggested that better attentional control with respect to distractors might be facilitated by acquiring experience of and skills related to meditation training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Yang Tsai
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Satish Jaiswal
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Fu Chang
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Kuang Liang
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Brain Research Center, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Neil G Muggleton
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Brain Research Center, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chi-Hung Juan
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Brain Research Center, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Wongtongkam N, Lampoo S, Choocherd P, Chiangkuntod S. Partial Efficacy of Vipassana Mindfulness Approach in Alcohol-Dependent Persons. ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT QUARTERLY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2017.1355224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nualnong Wongtongkam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Seearoon Lampoo
- Princess Mother National Institute on Drug Abuse Treatment, Thanyaburi, Pathumthani, Thailand
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20
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Sauer S, Buettner R, Heidenreich T, Lemke J, Berg C, Kurz C. Mindful Machine Learning. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.1027/1015-5759/a000312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Mindfulness refers to a stance of nonjudgmental awareness of present-moment experiences. A growing body of research suggests that mindfulness may increase cognitive resources, thereby buffering stress. However, existing models have not achieved a consensus on how mindfulness should be operationalized. As the sound measurement of mindfulness is the foundation needed before substantial hypotheses can be supported, we propose a novel way of gauging the psychometric quality of a mindfulness measurement instrument (the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory; FMI). Specifically, we employed 10 predictive algorithms to scrutinize the measurement quality of the FMI. Our criterion of measurement quality was the degree to which an algorithm separated mindfulness practitioner from nonpractitioners in a sample of N = 276. A high predictive accuracy of class membership can be taken as an indicator of the psychometric quality of the instrument. In sum, two findings are of interest. First, over and above some items of the FMI were able to reliably predict class membership. However, some items appeared to be uninformative. Second, from an applied methodological point of view, it appears that machine learning algorithms can outperform traditional predictive methods such as logistic regression. This finding may generalize to other branches of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Sauer
- Institute of Business Psychology/ Institute of Management & Information Systems, FOM University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
- Brain, Mind, and Healing Program, Samueli Institute, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - Ricardo Buettner
- Institute of Business Psychology/ Institute of Management & Information Systems, FOM University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Heidenreich
- Faculty of Social Work, Health, and Nursing, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, Germany
| | - Jana Lemke
- Institute of Transcultural Health Sciences, Viadrina University, Frankfurt/Oder, Germany
| | - Christoph Berg
- Institute of Business Psychology/ Institute of Management & Information Systems, FOM University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Kurz
- Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Managemant, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany
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21
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Isbel B, Summers MJ. Distinguishing the cognitive processes of mindfulness: Developing a standardised mindfulness technique for use in longitudinal randomised control trials. Conscious Cogn 2017; 52:75-92. [PMID: 28499257 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2017.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A capacity model of mindfulness is adopted to differentiate the cognitive faculty of mindfulness from the metacognitive processes required to cultivate this faculty in mindfulness training. The model provides an explanatory framework incorporating both the developmental progression from focussed attention to open monitoring styles of mindfulness practice, along with the development of equanimity and insight. A standardised technique for activating these processes without the addition of secondary components is then introduced. Mindfulness-based interventions currently available for use in randomised control trials introduce components ancillary to the cognitive processes of mindfulness, limiting their ability to draw clear causative inferences. The standardised technique presented here does not introduce such ancillary factors, rendering it a valuable tool with which to investigate the processes activated in mindfulness practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Isbel
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4 (ML59), Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia.
| | - Mathew J Summers
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4 (ML59), Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia.
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22
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Kopal J, Vyšata O, Burian J, Schätz M, Procházka A, Vališ M. EEG Synchronizations Length During Meditation. J Med Biol Eng 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40846-017-0219-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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23
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Tang YY, Leve LD. A translational neuroscience perspective on mindfulness meditation as a prevention strategy. Transl Behav Med 2016; 6:63-72. [PMID: 27012254 DOI: 10.1007/s13142-015-0360-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation research mainly focuses on psychological outcomes such as behavioral, cognitive, and emotional functioning. However, the neuroscience literature on mindfulness meditation has grown in recent years. This paper provides an overview of relevant neuroscience and psychological research on the effects of mindfulness meditation. We propose a translational prevention framework of mindfulness and its effects. Drawing upon the principles of prevention science, this framework integrates neuroscience and prevention research and postulates underlying brain regulatory mechanisms that explain the impact of mindfulness on psychological outcomes via self-regulation mechanisms linked to underlying brain systems. We conclude by discussing potential clinical and practice implications of this model and directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yuan Tang
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA.
| | - Leslie D Leve
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
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24
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Mehta UM, Keshavan MS, Gangadhar BN. Bridging the schism of schizophrenia through yoga-Review of putative mechanisms. Int Rev Psychiatry 2016; 28:254-64. [PMID: 27187680 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2016.1176905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia patients experience a 'disconnect' at multiple levels-neuronal networks, mental processes, and interpersonal relationships. The resultant poor quality-of-life and functional disability are related to the persistent cognitive deficits and negative symptoms, which are rather resistant to conventional antipsychotic medications. Yoga has emerged as an important therapeutic intervention to improve quality-of-life in schizophrenia. Recent preliminary evidence suggests that effects of yoga on cognitive and negative symptoms may drive this benefit. This study attempts to integrate evidence from neuroscience-based research, which focuses on the neuroplasticity-harnessing effects of yoga to bridge the schizophrenia connectopathy. In an overarching model to study putative neurobiological mechanisms that drive therapeutic effects of yoga, it is proposed that (a) various styles of meditation may help in strengthening the lateral and medial prefrontal brain networks, thus improving neurocognition and mentalizing abilities, and (b) learning and performing co-ordinated physical postures with a teacher facilitates imitation and the process of being imitated, which can improve social cognition and empathy through reinforcement of the premotor and parietal mirror neuron system. Oxytocin may play a role in mediating these processes, leading to better social connectedness and social outcomes. Clinical and heuristic implications of this model are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urvakhsh Meherwan Mehta
- a Department of Psychiatry , National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS) , Bengaluru , India
| | - Matcheri S Keshavan
- b Department of Psychiatry , Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Bangalore N Gangadhar
- a Department of Psychiatry , National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS) , Bengaluru , India
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25
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Mindfulness meditation improves emotion regulation and reduces drug abuse. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 163 Suppl 1:S13-8. [PMID: 27306725 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The core clinical symptoms of addiction include an enhanced incentive for drug taking (craving), impaired self-control (impulsivity and compulsivity), emotional dysregulation (negative mood) and increased stress reactivity. Symptoms related to impaired self-control involve reduced activity in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), adjacent prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and other brain areas. Behavioral training such as mindfulness meditation can increase the function of control networks including those leading to improved emotion regulation and thus may be a promising approach for the treatment of addiction. METHODS In a series of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we tested whether increased ACC/mPFC activity is related to better self-control abilities in executive functions, emotion regulation and stress response in healthy and addicted populations. After a brief mindfulness training (Integrative Body-Mind Training, IBMT), we used the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) to measure emotion regulation, salivary cortisol for the stress response and fMRI for brain functional and DTI structural changes. Relaxation training was used to serve as an active control. RESULTS In both smokers and nonsmokers, improved self-control abilities in emotion regulation and stress reduction were found after training and these changes were related to increased ACC/mPFC activity following training. Compared with nonsmokers, smokers showed reduced ACC/mPFC activity in the self-control network before training, and these deficits were ameliorated after training. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that promoting emotion regulation and improving ACC/mPFC brain activity can help for addiction prevention and treatment.
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26
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Circuitry of self-control and its role in reducing addiction. Trends Cogn Sci 2016; 19:439-44. [PMID: 26235449 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
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 re-activity. 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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27
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Gallant SN. Mindfulness meditation practice and executive functioning: Breaking down the benefit. Conscious Cogn 2016; 40:116-30. [PMID: 26784917 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This paper focuses on evidence for mindfulness meditation-related benefits to executive functioning, processes important for much of human volitional behaviour. Miyake et al. (2000) have shown that executive functions can be fractionated into three distinct domains including inhibition, working memory updating, and mental set shifting. Considering these separable domains, it is important to determine whether the effects of mindfulness can generalize to all three sub-functions or are specific to certain domains. To address this, the current review applied Miyake et al.'s (2000) fractionated model of executive functioning to the mindfulness literature. Empirical studies assessing the benefits of mindfulness to measures tapping the inhibition, updating, and shifting components of executive functioning were examined. Results suggest a relatively specific as opposed to general benefit resulting from mindfulness, with consistent inhibitory improvement, but more variable advantages to the updating and shifting domains. Recommendations surrounding application of mindfulness practice and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara N Gallant
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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28
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Fennell AB, Benau EM, Atchley RA. A single session of meditation reduces of physiological indices of anger in both experienced and novice meditators. Conscious Cogn 2015; 40:54-66. [PMID: 26748026 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2015.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to explore how anger reduction via a single session of meditation might be measured using psychophysiological methodologies. To achieve this, 15 novice meditators (Experiment 1) and 12 practiced meditators (Experiment 2) completed autobiographical anger inductions prior to, and following, meditation training while respiration rate, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured. Participants also reported subjective anger via a visual analog scale. At both stages, the experienced meditators' physiological reaction to the anger induction reflected that of relaxation: slowed breathing and heart rate and decreased blood pressure. Naïve meditators exhibited physiological reactions that were consistent with anger during the pre-meditation stage, while after meditation training and a second anger induction they elicited physiological evidence of relaxation. The current results examining meditation training show that the naïve group's physiological measures mimicked those of the experienced group following a single session of meditation training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander B Fennell
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States
| | - Erik M Benau
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States
| | - Ruth Ann Atchley
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States.
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30
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Fan Y, Tang YY, Tang R, Posner MI. Time course of conflict processing modulated by brief meditation training. Front Psychol 2015; 6:911. [PMID: 26191022 PMCID: PMC4490222 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yi-Yuan Tang
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University , Lubbock, TX, USA ; Department of Psychology, University of Oregon , Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Rongxiang Tang
- Department of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael I Posner
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon , Eugene, OR, USA
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31
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Payne P, Crane-Godreau MA. The preparatory set: a novel approach to understanding stress, trauma, and the bodymind therapies. Front Hum Neurosci 2015; 9:178. [PMID: 25883565 PMCID: PMC4381623 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Basic to all motile life is a differential approach/avoid response to perceived features of environment. The stages of response are initial reflexive noticing and orienting to the stimulus, preparation, and execution of response. Preparation involves a coordination of many aspects of the organism: muscle tone, posture, breathing, autonomic functions, motivational/emotional state, attentional orientation, and expectations. The organism organizes itself in relation to the challenge. We propose to call this the "preparatory set" (PS). We suggest that the concept of the PS can offer a more nuanced and flexible perspective on the stress response than do current theories. We also hypothesize that the mechanisms of body-mind therapeutic and educational systems (BTES) can be understood through the PS framework. We suggest that the BTES, including meditative movement, meditation, somatic education, and the body-oriented psychotherapies, are approaches that use interventions on the PS to remedy stress and trauma. We discuss how the PS can be adaptive or maladaptive, how BTES interventions may restore adaptive PS, and how these concepts offer a broader and more flexible view of the phenomena of stress and trauma. We offer supportive evidence for our hypotheses, and suggest directions for future research. We believe that the PS framework will point to ways of improving the management of stress and trauma, and that it will suggest directions of research into the mechanisms of action of BTES.
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An Affective Cognitive Neuroscience-Based Approach to PTSD Psychotherapy: The TARGET Model. J Cogn Psychother 2015; 29:68-91. [PMID: 32759152 DOI: 10.1891/0889-8391.29.1.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Adaptations or alternative versions of cognitive psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are needed because even the most efficacious cognitive or cognitive-behavioral psychotherapies for PTSD do not retain or achieve sustained clinically significant benefits for a majority of recipients. Cognitive affective neuroscience research is reviewed which suggests that it is not just memory (or memories) of traumatic events and related core beliefs about self, the world, and relationships that are altered in PTSD but also memory (and affective information) processing A cognitive psychotherapy is described that was designed to systematically make explicit these otherwise implicit trauma-related alterations in cognitive emotion regulation and its application to the treatment of complex variants of PTSD-Trauma Affect Regulation: Guide for Education and Therapy (TARGET). TARGET provides therapists and clients with (a) a neurobiologically informed strengths-based meta-model of stress-related cognitive processing in the brain and how this is altered by PTSD and (b) a practical algorithm for restoring the executive functions that are necessary to make implicit trauma-related cognitions explicit (i.e., experiential awareness) and modifiable (i.e., planful refocusing). Results of randomized clinical trial studies and quasi-experimental effectiveness evaluations of TARGET with adolescents and adults are reviewed.
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Nakata H, Sakamoto K, Kakigi R. Meditation reduces pain-related neural activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, secondary somatosensory cortex, and thalamus. Front Psychol 2014; 5:1489. [PMID: 25566158 PMCID: PMC4267182 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that meditation inhibits or relieves pain perception. To clarify the underlying mechanisms for this phenomenon, neuroimaging methods, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, and neurophysiological methods, such as magnetoencephalography and electroencephalography, have been used. However, it has been difficult to interpret the results, because there is some paradoxical evidence. For example, some studies reported increased neural responses to pain stimulation during meditation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insula, whereas others showed a decrease in these regions. There have been inconsistent findings to date. Moreover, in general, since the activities of the ACC and insula are correlated with pain perception, the increase in neural activities during meditation would be related to the enhancement of pain perception rather than its reduction. These contradictions might directly contribute to the ‘mystery of meditation.’ In this review, we presented previous findings for brain regions during meditation and the anatomical changes that occurred in the brain with long-term meditation training. We then discussed the findings of previous studies that examined pain-related neural activity during meditation. We also described the brain mechanisms responsible for pain relief during meditation, and possible reasons for paradoxical evidence among previous studies. By thoroughly overviewing previous findings, we hypothesized that meditation reduces pain-related neural activity in the ACC, insula, secondary somatosensory cortex, and thalamus. We suggest that the characteristics of the modulation of this activity may depend on the kind of meditation and/or number of years of experience of meditation, which were associated with paradoxical findings among previous studies that investigated pain-related neural activities during meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Nakata
- Department of Integrative Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences Okazaki, Japan ; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Human Life and Environment, Nara Women's University Nara, Japan
| | - Kiwako Sakamoto
- Department of Integrative Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences Okazaki, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Kakigi
- Department of Integrative Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences Okazaki, Japan
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Tang YY, Posner MI. Training brain networks and states. Trends Cogn Sci 2014; 18:345-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Dermatis H, Egelko S. Buddhist Mindfulness as an Influence in Recent Empirical CBT Approaches to Addiction: Convergence with the Alcoholics Anonymous Model. ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT QUARTERLY 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2014.907012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Witkiewitz K, Black DS. Unresolved issues in the application of mindfulness-based interventions for substance use disorders. Subst Use Misuse 2014; 49:601-4. [PMID: 24611855 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2014.852797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Witkiewitz
- 1Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico , Albuquerque, New Mexico , USA
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Xue SW, Tang YY, Tang R, Posner MI. Short-term meditation induces changes in brain resting EEG theta networks. Brain Cogn 2014; 87:1-6. [PMID: 24632087 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have reported meditation training has beneficial effects on brain structure and function. However, very little is known about meditation-induced changes in brain complex networks. We used network analysis of electroencephalography theta activity data at rest before and after 1-week of integrative body-mind training (IBMT) and relaxation training. The results demonstrated the IBMT group (but not the relaxation group) exhibited significantly smaller average path length and larger clustering coefficient of the entire network and two midline electrode nodes (Fz and Pz) after training, indicating enhanced capacity of local specialization and global information integration in the brain. The findings provide the evidence for meditation-induced network plasticity and suggest that IBMT might be helpful for alterations in brain networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Wei Xue
- Institute of Neuroinformatics and Laboratory for Body and Mind, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yi-Yuan Tang
- Department of Psychology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.
| | - Rongxiang Tang
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78705, USA
| | - Michael I Posner
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
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Britton WB, Lindahl JR, Cahn BR, Davis JH, Goldman RE. Awakening is not a metaphor: the effects of Buddhist meditation practices on basic wakefulness. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2014; 1307:64-81. [PMID: 24372471 PMCID: PMC4054695 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Buddhist meditation practices have become a topic of widespread interest in both science and medicine. Traditional Buddhist formulations describe meditation as a state of relaxed alertness that must guard against both excessive hyperarousal (restlessness) and excessive hypoarousal (drowsiness, sleep). Modern applications of meditation have emphasized the hypoarousing and relaxing effects without as much emphasis on the arousing or alertness-promoting effects. In an attempt to counterbalance the plethora of data demonstrating the relaxing and hypoarousing effects of Buddhist meditation, this interdisciplinary review aims to provide evidence of meditation's arousing or wake-promoting effects by drawing both from Buddhist textual sources and from scientific studies, including subjective, behavioral, and neuroimaging studies during wakefulness, meditation, and sleep. Factors that may influence whether meditation increases or decreases arousal are discussed, with particular emphasis on dose, expertise, and contemplative trajectory. The course of meditative progress suggests a nonlinear multiphasic trajectory, such that early phases that are more effortful may produce more fatigue and sleep propensity, while later stages produce greater wakefulness as a result of neuroplastic changes and more efficient processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willoughby B. Britton
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jared R. Lindahl
- Department of Religious Studies, Warren Wilson College, Asheville, North Carolina
| | - B. Rael Cahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Jake H. Davis
- Departments of Philosophy and Cognitive Science, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, New York
| | - Roberta E. Goldman
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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Abstract
The use of meditation to improve emotion and attention regulation has a long history in Asia and there are many practitioners in Western countries. Much of the evidence on the effectiveness of meditation is either anecdotal or a comparison of long-term meditators with controls matched in age and health. Recently, it has been possible to establish changes in self-regulation in undergraduate students after only 5 days of meditation practice, allowing randomized trials comparing effects of meditation with other self-control methods such as relaxation training. Early studies took place in Chinese universities; however, similar effects have been obtained with U.S. undergraduates, and with Chinese children aged 4.5 years and older Chinese participants aged 65 years. Studies using neuroimaging techniques have shown that meditation improves activation and connectivity in brain areas related to self-regulation, and these findings may provide an opportunity to examine remediation of mental disorders in a new light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yuan Tang
- Department of Psychology and Texas Tech Neuroimaging Institute, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
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Tang YY, Tang R. Ventral-subgenual anterior cingulate cortex and self-transcendence. Front Psychol 2013; 4:1000. [PMID: 24409162 PMCID: PMC3873526 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2013.01000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yuan Tang
- Department of Psychology, Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX, USA ; Department of Psychology, University of Oregon Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Rongxiang Tang
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX, USA
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Abstract
More than 5 million deaths a year are attributable to tobacco smoking, but attempts to help people either quit or reduce their smoking often fail, perhaps in part because the intention to quit activates brain networks related to craving. We recruited participants interested in general stress reduction and randomly assigned them to meditation training or a relaxation training control. Among smokers, 2 wk of meditation training (5 h in total) produced a significant reduction in smoking of 60%; no reduction was found in the relaxation control. Resting-state brain scans showed increased activity for the meditation group in the anterior cingulate and prefrontal cortex, brain areas related to self-control. These results suggest that brief meditation training improves self-control capacity and reduces smoking.
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