Signal or noise: brain network interactions underlying the experience and training of mindfulness.

Mindfulness training may alter the way large-scale brain networks interact, but the specific changes remain unclear. This review examines evidence on how mindfulness experience affects the dynamics between the default mode, salience, and central executive networks. The authors suggest that mindfulness practice can reduce default mode network activity and strengthen connectivity between the salience and central executive networks, potentially supporting improved attention and self-regulation. However, the findings are inconsistent across studies, and the direction and magnitude of effects vary. The authors call for more rigorous research to distinguish genuine neural changes from methodological noise.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Signal or noise: brain network interactions underlying the experience and training of mindfulness.