Changes in the Electrical Activity of the Brain in the Alpha and Theta Bands during Prayer and Meditation
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health December 1, 2020 P. Dobrakowski, M. Blaszkiewicz, S. Skalski
Buddhist meditators showed a statistically significant increase in theta brainwave amplitude at the central electrode site (Cz) during meditation compared to relaxation. Spiritual openness was associated with higher theta amplitude at the parietal site (Pz) during relaxation. The study did not find significant differences in frontal alpha and theta activity, contrary to many previous studies. The findings suggest that focused attention meditation and prayer may share neural correlates, particularly in midline brain regions, and that further analysis of neural integration in these areas is needed.