Prefrontal cortical hemodynamics and functional network organization during Tai Chi standing meditation: an fNIRS study
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience October 25, 2023 Liping Qi, Guoliang Wang, Zhi-Hao Tian et al. 14 citations
During Tai Chi standing meditation (Zhan Zhuang), experienced male practitioners showed significantly higher oxygenated hemoglobin concentrations in the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, frontal eye field, and pre-motor cortex compared to standing rest. Deoxygenated hemoglobin decreased in the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and right pre-motor cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Functional connectivity between left and right prefrontal cortex strengthened, and the brain's functional networks displayed small-world architecture with more network hubs in the dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex during meditation. These changes indicate that Tai Chi standing meditation alters cortical blood flow and brain functional network organization.