Short-term mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training produces electroencephalogram (EEG)-detectable state and trait effects. Using convolutional neural networks (deep learning) and support vector machines (SVM) with features from common spatial patterns, classifiers were trained on EEG from 11 novice MBSR practitioners during rest and meditation at early and late training stages. Shallow ConvNet classifiers achieved mix-subject and intra-subject accuracies superior to prior studies for both novice and expert meditators across meditation types. FBCSP+SVM classifiers gave inter-subject accuracies of 68.50% for state effect recognition, 85.00% for trait effect recognition using meditation EEG, and 78.96% using resting EEG. Deep learning outperforms for state effects in novices and is comparable for experts.
A randomized trial with 68 children aged around 5 years found that a mindfulness-based intervention reduced brain complexity during executive function tasks, suggesting more efficient neural processing. The intervention group showed significant differences in brain regions involved in cognitive shifting (left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and medial prefrontal cortex) and working memory (left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), alongside improved behavioral performance on those tasks. The findings indicate that mindfulness training can alter brain activity in young children and support the development of executive function.
Long-term intuitive inquiry meditation, a Buddhist Zen/Chan practice that uses doubt and belief to explore the self, alters brain activity related to self- and Buddha-schema processing differently depending on experience level. In an event-related potential study, beginner meditators showed reduced brain activity when viewing Buddha images but not when viewing themselves, while experienced meditators (monks) showed reduced brain activity when viewing themselves but not when viewing Buddha images. Experienced meditators also had greater theta power and higher intertrial coherence, suggesting more flexible cognitive modulation. These results indicate that intuitive inquiry meditation helps beginners detach from the concept of Buddha, whereas experienced practitioners become spontaneously detached from the self.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training alters electrical activity in the brain and heart, making them more coordinated. During an 8-week standard MBSR course, EEG recordings showed increased alpha and beta wave power and decreased delta wave power compared to normal rest. Wavelet entropy analysis indicated that MBSR meditation reduces chaotic activity in both EEG and heart rate as a temporary state change, though longer training may be needed for lasting trait changes. For the first time, the data demonstrated that chaotic brain and heart activities become more coordinated during MBSR, suggesting mindfulness enhances mind-body entrainment. Specific 3D brain regions involved in these mental state changes were identified.