Meditation's Impact on Neuroplasticity: Unveiling the Anatomical, Physiological and Clinical Changes- A Meta-Analysis

Meditation is associated with measurable changes in brain structure and function, including increased plasticity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, improved attentional network activity, and reduced dominance of the default mode network. Physiological markers such as higher BDNF and lower inflammatory indices also show positive trends. Psychological and cognitive improvements accompany these changes. The analysis, based on eight randomized or controlled studies published between January 2018 and April 2025, found significant effects across all studied domains, though heterogeneity was high.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Meditation affects neuroplasticity through synaptic pathways, prefrontal–limbic regulation, autonomic and biochemical systems. Randomized or controlled meditation interventions with at least one neuroplasticity related outcome published from January 2018 to April 2025 were included. Data extraction and synthesis were performed independently and combined by random-effects model. Eight studies met criteria for quantitative pooling. Structural changes included prefrontal and hippocampal plasticity (pooled SMD = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.20–0.60). Functional neuroplasticity included improved attentional network activity and decreased DMN dominance (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25–0.70). Physiological markers demonstrated a positive trend (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.35–0.85). Higher BDNF and lower inflammatory indices were noted (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.30–0.80). Psychological outcomes and cognitive functions improved (SMD = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.25–0.75). Global heterogeneity was high (I2 = 81.3%), Egger’s test showed weak publication bias (p = 0.039). Analysis concluded significant meditation related neuroplastic changes in all studied domains