Meditation attenuates Default-mode activity: a pilot study using ultra-high strength MRI
Saampras Ganesan, Bradford A. Moffat, Nicholas T. van Dam, Valentina Lorenzetti, Andrew Zalesky
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) January 3, 2023 preprint DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.02.522524 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Feasibility study Pilot study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 10 |
| Population | Beginner meditators |
| Intervention | Focused attention meditation |
| Duration | Single fMRI session with 2-week follow-up |
| Topics | Default mode network Meditation |
| Keywords | Precuneus Posterior cingulate Resting State FMRI Audiology Cognitive psychology Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Focused attention meditation significantly reduces activity in Default-mode network hubs (antero-medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus) and in visual and thalamic regions, with sustained increases in mindfulness scores at two-week follow-up. |
Abstract
Abstract Objectives Mapping the neurobiology of meditation using 3 Tesla functional MRI (fMRI) has burgeoned recently. However, limitations in signal quality and neuroanatomical resolution have impacted reliability and precision of extant findings. Although ultra-high strength 7 Tesla MRI overcomes these limitations, investigation of meditation using 7 Tesla fMRI is still in its infancy.
Methods: In this feasibility study, we scanned 10 individuals who were beginner meditators using 7 Tesla fMRI while they performed focused attention meditation and non-focused rest. We also measured and adjusted the fMRI signal for key physiological differences between meditation and rest. Finally, we explored the 2-week impact of the single fMRI meditation session on mindfulness, anxiety and focused attention attributes.
Results: Group-level task fMRI analyses revealed significant reductions in activity during meditation relative to rest in Default-mode network hubs, i.e., antero-medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate cortices, precuneus, as well as visual and thalamic regions. These findings survived stringent statistical corrections for fluctuations in physiological responses which demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.05/n, Bonferroni controlled) between meditation and rest. Compared to baseline, State Mindfulness Scale (SMS) scores were significantly elevated (F = 8.16, p<0.05/n, Bonferroni controlled) following the fMRI meditation session, and were closely maintained at 2-week follow up.
Conclusions: This pilot study establishes the feasibility and utility of investigating focused attention meditation using ultra-high strength (7 Tesla) fMRI, by supporting widespread evidence that focused attention meditation attenuates Default-mode activity responsible for self-referential processing. Future functional neuroimaging studies of meditation should control for physiological confounds and include behavioural assessments.