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Brugnoli MP. Spiritual healing in palliative care with clinical hypnosis: neuroscience and therapy. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS 2023:1-13. [PMID: 38117544 DOI: 10.1080/00029157.2023.2281466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
THIS PAPER REVIEWS The neuroscientific features of inner consciousness, including its role in suffering and in accessing states of mind that relieve suffering; details salient meditative and hypnotic approaches appropriate for palliative settings of care; discusses core principles and orientations shared by effective approaches; and proposes early integration of hypnotic training as a coping skill and a platform for spiritual exploration, as desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paola Brugnoli
- Interdisciplinary Research Group in Neurobioethics (GdN) at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum (APRA), Roma, Italy
- Chairperson Ethical Committee ISH International Society of Hypnosis, Verona, Italy
- President SIPMU Italian Scientific Society Clinical Hypnosis in Psychotherapy and Humanistic Medicine, Verona, Italy
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2
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Khadir A, Maghareh M, Sasani Ghamsari S, Beigzadeh B. Brain activity characteristics of RGB stimulus: an EEG study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18988. [PMID: 37923926 PMCID: PMC10624840 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46450-z] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The perception of color is a fundamental cognitive feature of our psychological experience, with an essential role in many aspects of human behavior. Several studies used magnetoencephalography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and electroencephalography (EEG) approaches to investigate color perception. Their methods includes the event-related potential and spectral power activity of different color spaces, such as Derrington-Krauskopf-Lennie and red-green-blue (RGB), in addition to exploring the psychological and emotional effects of colors. However, we found insufficient studies in RGB space that considered combining all aspects of EEG signals. Thus, in the present study, focusing on RGB stimuli and using a data-driven approach, we investigated significant differences in the perception of colors. Our findings show that beta oscillation of green compared to red and blue colors occurs in early sensory periods with a latency shifting in the occipital region. Furthermore, in the occipital region, the theta power of the blue color decreases noticeably compared to the other colors. Concurrently, in the prefrontal area, we observed an increase in phase consistency in response to the green color, while the blue color showed a decrease. Therefore, our results can be used to interpret the brain activity mechanism of color perception in RGB color space and to choose suitable colors for more efficient performance in cognitive activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Khadir
- Biomechatronics and Cognitive Engineering Research Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Maghareh
- Biomechatronics and Cognitive Engineering Research Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shamim Sasani Ghamsari
- Biomechatronics and Cognitive Engineering Research Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Borhan Beigzadeh
- Biomechatronics and Cognitive Engineering Research Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Ken Tanaka G, Russell TA, Bittencourt J, Marinho V, Teixeira S, Hugo Bastos V, Gongora M, Ramim M, Budde H, Aprigio D, Fernando Basile L, Cagy M, Ribeiro P, Gupta DS, Velasques B. Open monitoring meditation alters the EEG gamma coherence in experts meditators: The expert practice exhibit greater right intra-hemispheric functional coupling. Conscious Cogn 2022; 102:103354. [PMID: 35636352 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2022.103354] [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: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study investigated the differences in frontoparietal EEG gamma coherence between expert meditators (EM) and naïve meditators (NM). MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of twenty-one healthy adults divided under two groups (experts meditators vs. naive-meditators), with analyzing the intra-hemispheric coherence of frontoparietal gamma oscillations by electroencephalography during the study steps: EEG resting-state 1, during the open presence meditation practice, and EEG resting-state 2. RESULTS The findings demonstrated greater frontoparietal EEG coherence in gamma for experts meditators in the Fp1-P3, F4-P4, F8-P4 electrode pairs during rest 1 and rest 2 (p ≤ 0.0083). In addition, we evidenced differences in the frontoparietal EEG coherence for expert meditators in F4-P4, F8-P4 during the meditation (p ≤ 0.0083). CONCLUSION Our results can support evidence that the connectivity of the right frontoparietal network acts as a biomarker of the enhanced Open monitoring meditation training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guaraci Ken Tanaka
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Institute of Applied Neuroscience, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Mente Aberta, Brazilian Center for Mindfulness and Health Promotion, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tamara A Russell
- Neuroimaging Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience of King's College, London, UK
| | - Juliana Bittencourt
- Institute of Applied Neuroscience, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Veiga de Almeida University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victor Marinho
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil.
| | - Silmar Teixeira
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Bastos
- Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory, Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Mariana Gongora
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Ramim
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Institute of Applied Neuroscience, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Henning Budde
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Danielle Aprigio
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Institute of Applied Neuroscience, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Mauricio Cagy
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro Ribeiro
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Institute of Applied Neuroscience, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Bioscience Department, School of Physical Education of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daya S Gupta
- College of Science and Humanities, College of Health and Pharmacy, Husson University, Bangor, USA
| | - Bruna Velasques
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Institute of Applied Neuroscience, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Bioscience Department, School of Physical Education of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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4
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Spindola-Rodrigues KC, Reis RDC, de Carvalho CM, de Siqueira SDNLL, da Rocha Neto AV, Almeida KJ. Cognitive Health and Differential Cortical Functioning in Dissociative Trance: An Explorative Study About Mediumship. Front Psychol 2022; 13:874720. [PMID: 35478758 PMCID: PMC9035590 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.874720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To evaluate the cognitive functioning of subjects practicing trance mediumship in Brazil. Method The study was based on the measurement of cognitive functions of 19 spirits mediums through neuropsychological tests such as the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), the Verbal Fluency Test (FAS), the digit span test, the cube test, the five digit test (FDT) and an evaluation of mental health through scales such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ), and the Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ). The sample included the participation of spirit mediums divided into two groups. The more experienced group (MEG) with 11 subjects had more than 10 years of mediumistic practice, while the other less experienced group (LEG) with 8 subjects had 1–5 years of experience. The inclusion criteria were psychophonic mediums (who have the ability to communication when deceased beings communicate directly via speaking) with regular trance practices for at least one year. The data collected were analyzed using the SPSS statistical package. Results Regarding performance on the BCSB and digit span test, all subjects reached scores at the median or higher in comparison to standardized scores of Brazilians. Scores of 90% on the cube test and 42% on the FAS were reached in comparison to median or higher values, versus the median of standardized scores among Brazilians. On the FDT, we found statistical significance (p = 0.038) in the choice stage, with higher performance of subjects whose initial age of trance recognition occurred before 21 years old. On the BDI scale, no participant met the criteria for major depression. The SRQ showed an incidence of common mental disorders in 21% of the sample, which was more prevalent in the LEG (p = 0.008). Conclusion The cognitive functioning of subjects who practice trance mediumship in Brazil is associated with cognitive health. Executive dysfunction may be a tendency in LEG. However, an incidence of common mental disorders in the LEG was observed. Executive processing was higher in the subgroup with early practices of recognizing the phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Kelson James Almeida
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Post-graduation Program, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
- Department of Neurology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Kelson james Almeida,
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5
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Cheron G, Ristori D, Petieau M, Simar C, Zarka D, Cebolla AM. Effects of Pulsed-Wave Chromotherapy and Guided Relaxation on the Theta-Alpha Oscillation During Arrest Reaction. Front Psychol 2022; 13:792872. [PMID: 35310269 PMCID: PMC8929400 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.792872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for the best wellness practice has promoted the development of devices integrating different technologies and guided meditation. However, the final effects on the electrical activity of the brain remain relatively sparse. Here, we have analyzed of the alpha and theta electroencephalographic oscillations during the realization of the arrest reaction (AR; eyes close/eyes open transition) when a chromotherapy session performed in a dedicated room [Rebalance (RB) device], with an ergonomic bed integrating pulsed-wave light (PWL) stimulation, guided breathing, and body scan exercises. We demonstrated that the PWL induced an evoked-related potential characterized by the N2-P3 components maximally recorded on the fronto-central areas and accompanied by an event-related synchronization (ERS) of the delta–theta–alpha oscillations. The power of the alpha and theta oscillations was analyzed during repeated ARs testing realized along with the whole RB session. We showed that the power of the alpha and theta oscillations was significantly increased during the session in comparison to their values recorded before. Of the 14 participants, 11 and 6 showed a significant power increase of the alpha and theta oscillations, respectively. These increased powers were not observed in two different control groups (n = 28) who stayed passively outside or inside the RB room but without any type of stimulation. These preliminary results suggest that PWL chromotherapy and guided relaxation induce measurable electrical brain changes that could be beneficial under neuropsychiatric perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Cheron
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neuroscience, Université de Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Dominique Ristori
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Petieau
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cédric Simar
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Machine Learning Group, Computer Science Department, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Zarka
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ana-Maria Cebolla
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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6
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Jiang H, He B, Guo X, Wang X, Guo M, Wang Z, Xue T, Li H, Xu T, Ye S, Suma D, Tong S, Cui D. Brain-Heart Interactions Underlying Traditional Tibetan Buddhist Meditation. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:439-450. [PMID: 31163086 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite accumulating evidence suggesting improvement in one's well-being as a result of meditation, little is known about if or how the brain and the periphery interact to produce these behavioral and mental changes. We hypothesize that meditation reflects changes in the neural representations of visceral activity, such as cardiac behavior, and investigated the integration of neural and visceral systems and the spontaneous whole brain spatiotemporal dynamics underlying traditional Tibetan Buddhist meditation. In a large cohort of long-term Tibetan Buddhist monk meditation practitioners, we found distinct transient modulations of the neural response to heartbeats in the default mode network (DMN), along with large-scale network reconfigurations in the gamma and theta bands of electroencephalography (EEG) activity induced by meditation. Additionally, temporal-frontal network connectivity in the EEG theta band was negatively correlated with the duration of meditation experience, and gamma oscillations were uniquely, directionally coupled to theta oscillations during meditation. Overall, these data suggest that the neural representation of cardiac activity in the DMN and large-scale spatiotemporal network integrations underlie the fundamental neural mechanism of meditation and further imply that meditation may utilize cortical plasticity, inducing both immediate and long-lasting changes in the intrinsic organization and activity of brain networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiteng Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Bin He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Xiaoli Guo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Menglin Guo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Xue
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Li
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianjiao Xu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Daniel Suma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shanbao Tong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Donghong Cui
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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7
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Jiang H, Stieger J, Kreitzer MJ, Engel S, He B. Frontolimbic alpha activity tracks intentional rest BCI control improvement through mindfulness meditation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6818. [PMID: 33767254 PMCID: PMC7994299 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86215-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are capable of translating human intentions into signals controlling an external device to assist patients with severe neuromuscular disorders. Prior work has demonstrated that participants with mindfulness meditation experience evince improved BCI performance, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we conducted a large-scale longitudinal intervention study by training participants in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR; a standardized mind-body awareness training intervention), and investigated whether and how short-term MBSR affected sensorimotor rhythm (SMR)-based BCI performance. We hypothesize that MBSR training improves BCI performance by reducing mind wandering and enhancing self-awareness during the intentional rest BCI control, which would mainly be reflected by modulations of default-mode network and limbic network activity. We found that MBSR training significantly improved BCI performance compared to controls and these behavioral enhancements were accompanied by increased frontolimbic alpha activity (9-15 Hz) and decreased alpha connectivity among limbic network, frontoparietal network, and default-mode network. Furthermore, the modulations of frontolimbic alpha activity were positively correlated with the duration of meditation experience and the extent of BCI performance improvement. Overall, these data suggest that mindfulness allows participant to reach a state where they can modulate frontolimbic alpha power and improve BCI performance for SMR-based BCI control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiteng Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James Stieger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Bin He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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8
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Lin Y, Gloe LM, Louis CC, Eckerle WD, Fisher ME, Moser JS. An electrophysiological investigation on the emotion regulatory mechanisms of brief open monitoring meditation in novice non-meditators. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14252. [PMID: 32860004 PMCID: PMC7455688 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71122-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a growing literature supporting the salutary effects of mindfulness meditation on emotion regulation, the underlying mechanisms linking neural and subjective changes occurring during the actual practice of meditation with emotion regulatory effects observed after meditation remains virtually unexplored. The current study sought to address this gap in knowledge by testing the hypothesis that adoption of internally-directed focused attention, indexed by increased alpha and theta spectral power, during brief open monitoring (OM) mindfulness meditation predicts reduced emotional reactivity, as measured by the late positive potential (LPP). Results revealed that the OM meditation did not produce demonstrable differences in alpha and theta power but did increase self-reported sleepiness relative to controls. Follow-up analyses showed that sleepiness uniquely moderated the effect of meditation on the LPP, such that less sleepiness during meditation, but not the control audio, corresponded to smaller LPPs to negative images. Change in theta, but not alpha power, between meditation and rest was positively correlated with the LPP even after controlling for sleepiness. Although the primary hypothesis was unsupported, the findings demonstrate that phenomenological and neural changes occurring during OM meditation may modulate its subsequent “off-the-cushion” effects on emotional reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Lin
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, Psychology Building, 69-E, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Lilianne M Gloe
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, Psychology Building, 69-E, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Courtney C Louis
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, Psychology Building, 69-E, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - William D Eckerle
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, Psychology Building, 69-E, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Megan E Fisher
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jason S Moser
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, Psychology Building, 69-E, East Lansing, MI, USA
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9
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Deolindo CS, Ribeiro MW, Aratanha MA, Afonso RF, Irrmischer M, Kozasa EH. A Critical Analysis on Characterizing the Meditation Experience Through the Electroencephalogram. Front Syst Neurosci 2020; 14:53. [PMID: 32848645 PMCID: PMC7427581 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2020.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Meditation practices, originated from ancient traditions, have increasingly received attention due to their potential benefits to mental and physical health. The scientific community invests efforts into scrutinizing and quantifying the effects of these practices, especially on the brain. There are methodological challenges in describing the neural correlates of the subjective experience of meditation. We noticed, however, that technical considerations on signal processing also don't follow standardized approaches, which may hinder generalizations. Therefore, in this article, we discuss the usage of the electroencephalogram (EEG) as a tool to study meditation experiences in healthy individuals. We describe the main EEG signal processing techniques and how they have been translated to the meditation field until April 2020. Moreover, we examine in detail the limitations/assumptions of these techniques and highlight some good practices, further discussing how technical specifications may impact the interpretation of the outcomes. By shedding light on technical features, this article contributes to more rigorous approaches to evaluate the construct of meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mona Irrmischer
- Department of Integrative Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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10
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Kraus J, Roman R, Lacinová L, Lamoš M, Brázdil M, Fredrikson M. Imagery-induced negative affect, social touch and frontal EEG power band activity. Scand J Psychol 2020; 61:731-739. [PMID: 32572974 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Social touch seems to modulate emotions, but its brain correlates are poorly understood. Here, we investigated if frontal power band activity in the electroencephalogram (EEG) during aversive mental imagery is modulated by social touch from one's romantic partner and a stranger. We observed the highest theta and beta power when imaging alone, next so when being touched by a stranger, with lowest theta and beta activity during holding hands with the loved one. Delta power was higher when being alone than with a stranger or a partner, with no difference between the two. Gamma power was highest during the stranger condition and lower both when being alone and with the partner, while alpha power did not change as a function of social touch. Theta power displayed a positive correlation with electrodermal activity supporting its relation to emotional arousal. Attachment style modulated the effect of touch on the EEG as only secure but not insecure partner bonding was associated with theta power reductions. Because theta power was sensitive to the experimental perturbations, mapped onto peripheral physiological arousal and reflected partner attachment style we suggest that frontal theta power might serve as an EEG derived bio-marker for social touch in emotionally significant dyads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Kraus
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,HUME lab - Experimental Humanities Laboratory, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Roman
- Centre for Neuroscience, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Lacinová
- Institute for Research on Children, Youth, and Family, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Lamoš
- Centre for Neuroscience, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Brázdil
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mats Fredrikson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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11
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Colgan DD, Memmott T, Klee D, Ernst L, Han SJ, Oken B. A single case design to examine short-term intracranial EEG patterns during focused meditation. Neurosci Lett 2019; 711:134441. [PMID: 31430545 PMCID: PMC6779128 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study used a multiple crossover ABAB single case design to examine intracranial EEG data during a breath awareness meditation and an active control task. RESULTS Visual analyses suggest that a brief breath awareness mediation was consistently associated with increased alpha power when compared to the active control. Less consistent effects were found with theta, beta, and high gamma activity. Nonparametric tests provided additional support for this finding. CONCLUSIONS Acquiring intracranial EEG patterns during a meditative state may provide more insight into the physiology of meditation with less contamination of high-frequency muscle activity. While access to intracranial EEG during meditation is rarely available, single case design studies are considered adaptations of interrupted time-series designs and can provide an experimental evaluation of intervention effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Dharmakaya Colgan
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd, United States.
| | - Tab Memmott
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd, United States
| | - Dan Klee
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd, United States
| | - Lia Ernst
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd, United States
| | - Seunggu J Han
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd, United States
| | - Barry Oken
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd, United States
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12
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EEG captures affective touch: CT-optimal touch and neural oscillations. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2019; 18:155-166. [PMID: 29404917 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-017-0560-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Tactile interactions are of developmental importance to social and emotional interactions across species. In beginning to understand the affective component of tactile stimulation, research has begun to elucidate the neural mechanisms that underscore slow, affective touch. Here, we extended this emerging body of work and examined whether affective touch (C tactile [CT]-optimal speed), as compared to nonaffective touch (non-CT-optimal speed) and no touch conditions, modulated EEG oscillations. We report an attenuation in alpha and beta activity to affective and nonaffective touch relative to the no touch condition. Further, we found an attenuation in theta activity specific to the affective, as compared to the nonaffective touch and no touch conditions. Similar to theta, we also observed an attenuation of beta oscillations during the affective touch condition, although only in parietal scalp sites. Decreased activity in theta and parietal-beta ranges may reflect attentional-emotional regulatory mechanisms; however, future work is needed to provide insight into the potential neural coupling between theta and beta and their specific role in encoding slow, tactile stimulation.
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Rocha K, Marinho V, Magalhães F, Ribeiro J, Oliveira T, Gupta DS, Chaves F, Velasques B, Ribeiro P, Cagy M, Lima G, Teixeira S. Low-frequency rTMS stimulation over superior parietal cortex medially improves time reproduction and increases the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex predominance. Int J Neurosci 2018; 129:523-533. [DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2018.1476351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kaline Rocha
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory,, Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, Brazil
- The Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Victor Marinho
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory,, Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, Brazil
- The Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Francisco Magalhães
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory,, Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, Brazil
- The Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Ribeiro
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory,, Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Thomaz Oliveira
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory,, Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Daya S. Gupta
- Department of Biology, Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ, USA
| | - Fernanda Chaves
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruna Velasques
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro Ribeiro
- Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Cagy
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gildário Lima
- Neurophysics Applied Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Silmar Teixeira
- Neuro-innovation Technology & Brain Mapping Laboratory,, Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, Brazil
- The Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
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Fortney L. Recommending Meditation. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-35868-2.00100-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Electroencephalographic correlates of states of concentrative meditation. Int J Psychophysiol 2016; 110:27-39. [PMID: 27702643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Meditative techniques aim for and meditators report states of mental alertness and focus, concurrent with physical and emotional calm. We aimed to determine the electroencephalographic (EEG) correlates of five states of Buddhist concentrative meditation, particularly addressing a correlation with meditative level. We studied 12 meditators and 12 pair-matched meditation-naïve participants using high-resolution scalp-recorded EEG. To maximise reduction of EMG, data were pre-processed using independent component analysis and surface Laplacian transformed data. Two non-meditative and five meditative states were used: resting baseline, mind-wandering, absorptions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (corresponding to four levels of absorption and an absorption with a different object of focus, otherwise equivalent to level 4; these five meditative states produce repeatable, distinctly different experiences for experienced meditators). The experimental protocol required participants to experience the states in the order listed above, followed immediately by the reverse. We then calculated EEG power in standard frequency bands from 1 to 80Hz. We observed decreases of central scalp beta (13-25Hz), and central low gamma (25-48Hz) power in meditators during deeper absorptions. In contrast, we identified increases in frontal midline and temporo-parietal theta power in meditators, again, during deeper absorptions. Alpha activity was increased over all meditative states, not depth-related. This study demonstrates that the subjective experiences of deepening meditation partially correspond to measures of EEG. Our results are in accord with prior studies on non-graded meditative states. These results are also consistent with increased theta correlating with tightness of focus, and reduced beta/gamma with the desynchronization associated with enhanced alertness.
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Effortless Attention as a Biomarker for Experienced Mindfulness Practitioners. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138561. [PMID: 26457899 PMCID: PMC4601770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The present study aimed at comparing frontal beta power between long-term (LTM) and first-time meditators (FTM), before, during and after a meditation session. We hypothesized that LTM would present lower beta power than FTM due to lower effort of attention and awareness. Methods Twenty one participants were recruited, eleven of whom were long-term meditators. The subjects were asked to rest for 4 minutes before and after open monitoring (OM) meditation (40 minutes). Results The two-way ANOVA revealed an interaction between the group and moment factors for the Fp1 (p<0.01), F7 (p = 0.01), F3 (p<0.01), Fz (p<0.01), F4 (p<0.01), F8 (p<0.01) electrodes. Conclusion We found low power frontal beta activity for LTM during the task and this may be associated with the fact that OM is related to bottom-up pathways that are not present in FTM. Significance We hypothesized that the frontal beta power pattern may be a biomarker for LTM. It may also be related to improving an attentive state and to the efficiency of cognitive functions, as well as to the long-term experience with meditation (i.e., life-time experience and frequency of practice).
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A systematic review of the neurophysiology of mindfulness on EEG oscillations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 57:401-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Changes in absolute theta power in bipolar patients during a saccadic attention task. Psychiatry Res 2015; 228:785-90. [PMID: 26073283 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study analyzed absolute theta power (ATP) in brain areas involved with attention in the three phase of BD while the patients performing a saccadic attention task. We hypothesized that patients in depression and mania states show a higher ATP compared to euthymic patients, since a higher ATP is indicative of attention deficit. We analyzed the frontal (F7, F3, Fz, F4 and F8) and central (C3, Cz and C4) areas. Thirty bipolar patients were enrolled in this study. The subjects performed a saccadic attention task while their brain activity pattern was recorded using quantitative electroencephalography (20 channels). Our results showed a main effect for group over C3, C4, Cz, F7, F4, F8 electrodes, and a main effect for moment over Cz, F7, F8 electrodes. These results indicate that both task and groups produce changes in theta activity in distinct cortical areas that participate in the organization of attention. Our results therefore demonstrate that, although it is well established in the literature that theta has a relevant role in the attention process, it is necessary to deepen the investigations to better understand the specifics of theta during visual processing tasks that have a demand for attention.
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Electrophysiological correlates of long-term Soto Zen meditation. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:598496. [PMID: 25632397 PMCID: PMC4302970 DOI: 10.1155/2015/598496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to verify the electrophysiological correlates of the changes in long-term regular meditators. We use modern techniques of high-resolution electroencephalography applied to slow potentials, power spectra, and potencies related to the events. To obtain encephalographic records, we use an assembly of 128 channels in 31 subjects (17 Soto Zen Buddhist meditators). The motivation of this study was to determine whether the induced beta power would present an increase in meditators as well as a decrease in induced theta/beta ratio in absolute and relative values. However, opposite to what we expected, no significant change was found in the beta frequency. In contrast, the main findings of the study were correlations between the frequency of weekly meditation practice and the increased theta induced relative power, increase of induced power ratio (ratio theta/beta), and increase of the ratio of induced relative powers (theta/beta ratio) during our task that featured an "adapted meditation," suggesting that the meditative state of "mindfulness" is much more related to the permittivity of "distractions" by the meditators, with a deliberate reduction of attention.
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