Exploring Visceral Body Scan, Somatosensory Body Scan, and External Meditation: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Mindfulness September 1, 2025 Lorena Desdentado, Marta Miragall, Ausiàs Cebolla et al.
A pilot randomized controlled trial tested the feasibility of three online-delivered mindfulness practices—visceral body scan, somatosensory body scan, and external (non-body) meditation—in 48 adults recruited from social networks. The retention rate was 66.20% and adherence to meditation practice was 56.53%. Acceptability and practice quality were moderate, and most participants reported no adverse effects. Preliminary effects emerged: the visceral body scan was linked to decreased attention to unpleasant bodily sensations, and both visceral and somatosensory body scans were associated with a decrease in dampening of positive emotions. The authors conclude that feasibility improvements are needed before larger-scale research.