Barbara Tomasino

2 papers in the library · 151 citations · publishing 2013-2016

Papers

Meditation-related activations are modulated by the practices needed to obtain it and by the expertise: an ALE meta-analysis study

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience January 1, 2013 Barbara Tomasino, Sara Fregona, Miran Skrap et al. 151 citations

Different meditation practices engage largely distinct brain networks. An activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of 24 neuroimaging experiments (150 activation foci) compared focused attention (FA) meditation with mantra-based chanting or repetition. FA meditation activated clusters in the medial gyrus, left superior parietal lobe, left insula, and right supramarginal gyrus (SMG). Mantra practice elicited activity in the right SMG, supplementary motor area bilaterally, and left postcentral gyrus. Comparing short- versus long-term meditators, frontal activation was present for short-term practitioners, while experts showed greater right SMG recruitment and reduced frontal involvement, suggesting they sustain attentional focus more efficiently and engage processes related to disembodiment.

DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00346 Meditation Meta-analysis Psychotherapist Cognitive psychology +3

Increases in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and decreases the rostral prefrontal cortex activation after-8 weeks of focused attention based mindfulness meditation.

Brain and Cognition February 1, 2016 Barbara Tomasino, Franco Fabbro

An 8-week mindfulness-oriented focused attention meditation training alters brain activation patterns in novice meditators. Comparing fMRI scans before and after training, participants showed increased activation in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and left caudate/anterior insula, and decreased activation in the rostral prefrontal cortex and right parietal area 3b during focused attention on breathing and body scan exercises versus rest. These changes suggest the training strengthens brain regions involved in sustaining and monitoring attention while reducing activity in areas linked to mind wandering and self-referential thought, consistent with the goals of mindfulness practice.

DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2015.12.004 Full text Attention Mindfulness meditation Prefrontal cortex FMRI