Mindfulness-induced changes in gamma band activity – Implications for the default mode network, self-reference and attention
Aviva Berkovich-Ohana, Joseph Glicksohn, Abraham Goldstein
Clinical Neurophysiology September 21, 2011 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2011.07.048 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 48 |
| Population | Mindfulness meditation practitioners at three levels of expertise and non-meditating controls |
| Intervention | Mindfulness meditation |
| Topics | Default mode network Meditation |
| Keywords | Electroencephalography Trait Mind-wandering Audiology Cognitive psychology Functional connectivity Cognition Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 309 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness meditation practitioners exhibit lower trait frontal gamma activity, associated with reduced default mode network activity and self-referential processing, and show state and trait increases in posterior gamma power. |
Abstract
ObjectiveThere is a growing scientific interest in mindfulness meditation (MM), yet its underlying neurophysiological mechanism is still uncertain. We investigated whether MM affects self-referential processing, associated with default mode network (DMN), either as short (state) - or long-term (trait) effects.MethodsThree levels of MM expertise were compared with controls (n=12 each) by electroencephalography (EEG).ResultsDMN deactivation was identified during the transition from resting state to a time production task, as lower gamma (25-45 Hz) power over frontal and midline regions. MM practitioners exhibited a trait lower frontal gamma activity, related to narrative self-reference and DMN activity, as well as producing longer durations, these being negatively correlated with frontal gamma activity. Additionally, we found state increases in posterior gamma power, suggesting increased attention and sensory awareness. MM proficiency did not affect the results.ConclusionsGamma power over frontal midline areas reflects DMN activity. MM practitioners exhibit lower trait frontal gamma activity, as well as a state and trait increases in posterior gamma power, irrespective of practice proficiency.SignificanceFirst, the DMN can be studied non-invasively by EEG. Second, MM induces from the early stages of practice neuroplasticity in self-referential and attentional networks.