Mindfulness meditation is associated with global EEG spectral changes in theta, alpha, and beta amplitudes.
Alexander T. Duda, A. Clarke, Robert J. Barry, F. D. de Blasio
International Journal of Psychophysiology November 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2024.112465 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | Healthy young adults (novice meditators) |
| Interventions | Mindfulness meditation Classical music listening |
| Duration | 6-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Daily mindfulness meditation for six weeks led to a smaller reduction in alpha amplitude during meditation compared to rest, and stabilized beta amplitude, relative to an active control group. |
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation is linked to a broad range of psychological and physical health benefits, potentially mediated by changes in neural oscillations. This study explored changes in neural oscillations associated with both immediate and regular mindfulness meditation practice. Electroencephalographic (EEG) data were collected from 40 healthy young adults (Mage = 20.8, 24 females) during eyes-closed resting and mindfulness meditation states in two separate recording sessions, six weeks apart. Participants were novice meditators, and following the first recording session, were randomly assigned to either a daily mindfulness meditation practice or classical music listening as an active control, which they completed until the second recording session. Traditional bands of delta (1.0-3.5 Hz), theta (4.0-7.5 Hz), alpha (8.0-13.0 Hz), beta (13.5-30.0 Hz), and gamma (30.5-45.0 Hz) were used to explore changes in global EEG spectral amplitude. A significant increase in theta between sessions was observed in both groups and states. Alpha decreased significantly during meditation compared with rest, and a three-way interaction indicated a smaller reduction during meditation between sessions in the mindfulness group. There was a similar interaction in beta, which remained stable between sessions during both rest and meditation in the mindfulness group while varying in the classical music listening group. No significant effects were observed in global delta or gamma amplitudes. These findings suggest that changes in neural oscillations associated with breath-focused mindfulness meditation may be related to processes underlying attention and awareness. Further research is necessary to consolidate these findings, particularly in relation to the associated health benefits.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- Differential Effects of Mindfulness Meditation and Paced Breathing on Neural Oscillations and Arousal Mindfulness August 15, 2025
- Mindfulness meditation alters alpha amplitude without affecting arousal. International Journal of Psychophysiology June 14, 2025
- The Effectiveness of a 6-Week Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Patients With Cervical Cancer or High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Multimodal Data of Scales and Electroencephalogram. Psycho-Oncology September 1, 2026
- Mindfulness meditation increases interictal epileptiform discharges in meditation-naïve surgical epilepsy patients. Epilepsia June 16, 2026
- Decreased Beta and Gamma Band Power following Mantra Exposure: An EEG Analysis in Expectant Mothers 2026 IEEE Guwahati Subsection Conference June 1, 2026
and 4 more in the library
Cites 52
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017
- Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 8, 2004
- Conceptual and methodological issues in research on mindfulness and meditation. American Psychologist October 1, 2015
and 47 more in the library