Effects of heartfulness and bell meditation on brain activities and autonomic function in university students: An exploratory study.
Sushil P Mahato, Abinash Roy, Manickam Anjaladevi, Pailoor Subramanya, Samiran Mondal
Journal of Education and Health Promotion 2026 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1436_25 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 9 |
| Population | University students aged 19-20 with no prior meditation experience |
| Interventions | Heartfulness meditation Bell meditation |
| Dose | 30 min per day for 21 days |
| Duration | 21-day intervention |
| Measures | Electroencephalography (EEG), Galvanic skin response (GSR) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Autonomic function Bell meditation Electroencephalography EEG Heartfulness meditation University students |
| Key findings | Bell meditation produced a large reduction in sympathetic arousal (GSR -3.90 µS) while heartfulness meditation produced modest autonomic and minimal EEG effects, and neither intervention significantly altered resting EEG rhythms. |
Abstract
Distinct meditation styles may influence neuro-autonomic activity differently, yet direct comparative evidence remains limited. This study examined the effects of 21 days of heartfulness and bell meditation on resting electroencephalography (EEG) rhythms and galvanic skin response (GSR) in healthy student participants. Twenty-two university students were screened, of which nine students (19-20 years) with no prior meditation experience met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned equally to the Heartfulness, Bell, or passive control group. Intervention groups received meditation sessions of 30 min per day for 21 days while the control group continued their routine activities. Ten minute eyes closed EEG (theta 4-7 Hz, alpha 8-12 Hz, beta 13-30 Hz) and tonic GSR were recorded at baseline (pre) and on last day of intervention (post) and analysed with a 2 (Time) × 3 (Group) repeated measures ANOVA, emphasising partial η² and within group Cohen's d. Baseline characteristics did not significantly differ between groups. EEG analyses showed no significant main or interaction effects (all p > 0.35; η²ₚ ≤ 0.29). Small increases in theta and alpha were observed in the Heartfulness group (|dz| ≤ 0.23), slight decreases in the Bell group, and minimal change in controls. GSR showed a significant time effect (F₁,₆ = 7.79, p = 0.032, η²ₚ = 0.57) and a large, near-significant Time × Group interaction (p = 0.069, η²ₚ = 0.59). Bell meditation produced the greatest reduction in GSR (-3.90 µS, dz = -1.37), compared to heartfulness (-0.63 µS, dz = -0.32) and control (-0.19 µS). No adverse events were reported. In university students without prior meditation experience, bell meditation elicited a marked early reduction in sympathetic arousal, while Heartfulness meditation produced modest autonomic and minimal EEG effects. Larger and longer-duration studies are recommended to elucidate technique-specific mechanisms and their behavioural significance further.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 11
- Heartfulness Meditation: A Yogic and Neuroscientific Perspective Frontiers in Psychology May 10, 2022
- Exploring neural markers of dereification in meditation based on EEG and personalized models of electrophysiological brain states. Scientific Reports October 16, 2024
- The impact of meditation on sustained attention in nonclinical population: An extensive review. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine March 4, 2025
- Short-term meditation training alters brain activity and sympathetic responses at rest, but not during meditation Scientific Reports May 15, 2024
- Heart–brain Rhythmic Synchronization during Meditation: A Nonlinear Signal Analysis International Journal of Yoga May 1, 2023
and 6 more in the library