Self-regulation of the posterior cingulate cortex with real-time fMRI neurofeedback augmented mindfulness training in healthy adolescents: A nonrandomized feasibility study
Namik Kirlic, Zsofia P Cohen, Aki Tsuchiyagaito, Masaya Misaki, Timothy J Mcdermott, Robin L Aupperle, Jennifer L. Stewart, Manpreet K. Singh, Martin P. Paulus, Jerzy Bodurka
Cognitive Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience March 15, 2022 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-022-00991-4 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Nonrandomized, single-arm study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 34 |
| Population | Typically developing adolescents |
| Duration | 1-week follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Neurofeedback Posterior cingulate Anterior cingulate cortex Tolerability |
| Citations | 29 |
| Registration | NCT04053582 |
| Key points | Neurofeedback-augmented mindfulness training is feasible and tolerable in healthy adolescents, and it replicates the role of the posterior cingulate cortex in mindfulness. |
Abstract
Mindfulness training (MT) promotes the development of one's ability to observe and attend to internal and external experiences with objectivity and nonjudgment with evidence to improve psychological well-being. Real-time functional MRI neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) is a noninvasive method of modulating activity of a brain region or circuit. The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) has been hypothesized to be an important hub instantiating a mindful state. This nonrandomized, single-arm study examined the feasibility and tolerability of training typically developing adolescents to self-regulate the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) using rtfMRI-nf during MT. Thirty-four adolescents (mean age: 15 years; 14 females) completed the neurofeedback augmented mindfulness training task, including Focus-on-Breath (MT), Describe (self-referential thinking), and Rest conditions, across three neurofeedback and two non-neurofeedback runs (Observe, Transfer). Self-report assessments demonstrated the feasibility and tolerability of the task. Neurofeedback runs differed significantly from non-neurofeedback runs for the Focus-on-Breath versus Describe contrast, characterized by decreased activity in the PCC during the Focus-on-Breath condition (z = -2.38 to -6.27). MT neurofeedback neural representation further involved the medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, posterior insula, hippocampus, and amygdala. State awareness of physical sensations increased following rtfMRI-nf and was maintained at 1-week follow-up (Cohens' d = 0.69). Findings demonstrate feasibility and tolerability of rtfMRI-nf in healthy adolescents, replicates the role of PCC in MT, and demonstrate a potential neuromodulatory mechanism to leverage and streamline the learning of mindfulness practice. ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier #NCT04053582; August 12, 2019).