Editorial: Neural Mechanisms Underlying Movement-Based Embodied Contemplative Practices
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience April 26, 2016 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00169 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 18 |
| Key findings | Movement-based contemplative practices are effective for diverse clinical conditions and healthy individuals, but their neural mechanisms require further study. |
Abstract
Compared to the extensive body of neuroscientific work on seated meditation practices, far fewer studies have investigated the neural mechanisms underlying movement-based contemplative practices such as yoga or tai chi. One likely reason is the inherent challenge of dealing with their multifaceted nature, typically involving specific movement sequences, regulation of the breath, and modulation of attention. Movement-based practices have, however, been found to be effective for relieving the symptoms of clinical conditions as diverse as cancer, Parkinson's disease (PD), chronic pain, fibromyalgia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and anxiety-related disorders. In addition, they have been shown to elicit measurable changes in physiological stress parameters, cognitive, and physical functioning as well experienced emotional states in healthy individuals. An important challenge for contemplative science is therefore to advance our understanding of the neurophysiological and neurocognitive mechanisms underlying these observed effects. The current Research Topic aims to make a contribution in this regard by outlining the state of the art of research on movement-based practices including yoga, tai chi, the Feldenkrais Method, as well as dance. The featured articles present empirical data, propose novel theoretical frameworks, and address the clinical implications of research within the field.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- If It All Comes Down to Bodily Awareness, How Do We Know? Assessing Bodily Awareness Kinesiology Review August 1, 2020
- Meta-analysis of a mindfulness yoga exercise intervention on depression - based on intervention studies in China. Frontiers in Psychology 2023
- Cultivating well-being, community cohesion and sense of purpose through African contemplative practices Research Square July 11, 2023
- A Mixed-Methods Study Protocol for Soma Experiencing Motion Program (Soma e-motion Program): The Effectiveness of Contemplative Movement for Emotion Regulation. Psychiatry Investigation June 24, 2021
- Default Mode Network, Meditation, and Age-Associated Brain Changes: What Can We Learn from the Impact of Mental Training on Well-Being as a Psychotherapeutic Approach? Journal of Neural Transplantation and Plasticity April 2, 2019