Meditation's Impact on Neuroplasticity: Unveiling the Anatomical, Physiological and Clinical Changes- A Meta-Analysis
Afshan Iftikhar
Journal of Bahria University Medical and Dental College April 10, 2026 DOI: 10.51985/jbumdc2026880 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review with meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Meditation |
| Topics | Meditation Neuroplasticity |
| Keywords | Cognition Psychological intervention Hippocampal formation Cognitive training Randomized controlled trial |
| Key findings | Meditation is associated with significant neuroplastic changes across structural, functional, physiological, and psychological domains. |
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
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on neuroplasticity, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics Systematic review of 20 studies (16 preclinical, 4 clinical) | 2021 | Systematic review | |
| Neurobiological Changes Induced by Mindfulness and Meditation: A Systematic Review. | 2024 | Systematic review | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being. | 2025 | Systematic review | |
| Psychedelic-Induced Neural Plasticity: A Comprehensive Review and a Discussion of Clinical Implications. | 2025 | Systematic review | |
| Molecular pathways of ketamine: A systematic review of immediate and sustained effects on PTSD. | 2025 | Systematic review |