Mindfulness-based stress reduction training modulates striatal and cerebellar connectivity.
Journal of Neuroscience Research May 1, 2021 Emiliano Santarnecchi, Eutizio Egiziano, Sicilia D'Arista et al.
An 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training program alters functional and effective connectivity in the dorsal striatum, particularly the putamen, in healthy individuals. After training, local connectivity decreased in the right anterior putamen and insula during spontaneous mind-wandering and in the right cerebellum during meditation. Effective connectivity analysis showed reduced modulation by the anterior cingulate cortex over the anterior putamen and a change in excitatory and inhibitory interactions between the posterior putamen and cerebellum. These connectivity rearrangements may help explain mindfulness-related behavioral effects, especially in pain perception.