Mindfulness-based neurofeedback: A systematic review of EEG and fMRI studies
I. Treves, Keara D Greene, Zia Bajwa, Emma Wool, Nayoung Kim, C. Bauer, Paul A Bloom, D. Pagliaccio, Jiahe Zhang, Susan Whitfield-Gabrieli, R. Auerbach
bioRxiv September 15, 2024 DOI: 10.1162/imag_a_00396 (opens in new tab) via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA systematic review of EEG and fMRI studies that combine mindfulness meditation with neurofeedback (mbNF) found that fMRI studies primarily target downregulation of the default-mode network (DMN). Although some studies report decreases in DMN activation during neurofeedback, there is insufficient evidence for lasting transfer effects, and most studies lacked adequate control conditions such as sham neurofeedback, so DMN decreases may reflect general task-related deactivation rather than a specific effect of mbNF. EEG studies most consistently show modulation of theta band activity. Both EEG and fMRI mbNF have been implemented with high fidelity in clinical populations, but mental health benefits have not been established. The review recommends sham-controlled randomized trials and clearer reporting.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | neurofeedback concurrent with mindfulness meditation |
| Keywords | Medicine Biology Psychology |
| Key finding | There is a lack of evidence for transfer effects of mbNF, and mental health benefits have not been established. |
Abstract
Neurofeedback concurrent with mindfulness meditation may reveal meditation effects on the brain and facilitate improved mental health outcomes. Here, we systematically reviewed EEG and fMRI studies of mindfulness meditation with neurofeedback (mbNF) and followed PRISMA guidelines. We identified 10 fMRI reports, consisting of 177 unique participants, and 9 EEG reports, consisting of 242 participants. Studies of fMRI focused primarily on downregulating the default-mode network (DMN). Although studies found decreases in DMN activations during neurofeedback, there is a lack of evidence for transfer effects, and the majority of studies did not employ adequate controls, e.g. sham neurofeedback. Accordingly, DMN decreases may have been confounded by general task-related deactivation. EEG studies typically examined alpha, gamma, and theta frequency bands, with the most robust evidence supporting the modulation of theta band activity. Both EEG and fMRI mbNF have been implemented with high fidelity in clinical populations. However, the mental health benefits of mbNF have not been established. In general, mbNF studies would benefit from sham-controlled RCTs, as well as clear reporting (e.g. CRED-NF).