In 15 right-handed healthy college females, high-density EEG recorded during 3 minutes of eyes-closed and 3 minutes of eyes-open resting states revealed distinct spatial patterns of brain activity across frequency bands. Delta (0.5-3.5 Hz) power increased and expanded over the prefrontal area from eyes-closed to eyes-open. Theta (4-7 Hz) power decreased and shifted forward over the fronto-central area. Alpha-1 (7.5-9.5 Hz), alpha-2 (10-12 Hz), and beta-1 (13-23 Hz) powers all decreased over posterior areas. High-frequency beta-2 and gamma bands showed no change. Delta and theta powers showed strong correlation between the two states. Large individual variability in alpha power was observed, especially during eyes-closed. The findings characterize a baseline electrophysiological default mode network for resting brain activity.
Lower resting respiration rate (RR) may serve as a physiological marker of well-being, particularly among people who practice meditation. In a study of 245 adults, long-term meditators showed an association between lower RR and lower psychological distress. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) decreased RR compared to a waitlist control, though not compared to an active control. Decreased RR was linked to fewer medical symptoms across all participants. After training, lower RR was associated with higher psychological well-being in training groups relative to waitlist, but there were no significant differences in change in well-being between groups. The findings suggest RR may indicate physical or psychological well-being in those who engage in wellness practices.