Brief Mantra Meditation Increases Theta Power in Frontal Regions
Daisy Das, Bhabesh Kalita, Nabamita Deb, S. Choudhury
2025 3rd International Conference on Intelligent Systems, Advanced Computing and Communication February 27, 2025 DOI: 10.1109/isacc65211.2025.10969192 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Pregnant individuals (implied by context of pregnancy and cognitive health) |
| Intervention | brief meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Brief meditation significantly increases frontal theta power compared to resting state, with a subsequent decrease after meditation. |
Abstract
Meditation has been widely used to enhance cognitive health, particularly during pregnancy. θ-power, associated with cognitive processes such as attention and relaxation, is often prominent in the frontal region, which plays a critical role in executive functions and emotional regulation. This study investigated the effects of brief meditation on θ-power using EEG data from the PEM-43 dataset. θ-power was analyzed across frontal, central, and posterior regions using Welch’s method. Topographical analysis revealed increased θ-power in the frontal region, while central and posterior regions exhibited relatively low activity. The highest mean theta power was observed in frontal channels (Fp1: 59.5 µV2·Hz, Fz: 59.4 µV2·Hz), supporting the role of frontal θ in cognitive engagement and attentional focus. Statistical analysis, including pairwise T-tests and one-way ANOVA, indicated a significant increase in theta power during meditation (52.4 µV2·Hz), with a subsequent decrease after meditation (45 µV2·Hz) compared to the resting state. These results suggest that brief meditation induces measurable changes in θ activity, highlighting its potential to modulate attention and relaxation.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Undergraduate students | 2006 | Observational cohort | |
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Long-term Buddhist practitioners and controls | 2004 | Observational cohort |
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- Quantitative change of EEG and respiration signals during mindfulness meditation Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation May 14, 2014
- Effects of Breathing Meditation Training on Sustained Attention Level, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Level, and Mental State of Operating Room Nurses American Journal of Health Behavior November 15, 2021
- The Electroencephalographic Brainwave Spectrum, Mindful Meditation, and Awareness: Hypothesis. International Journal of Yoga 2023
- EEG patterns in long-term Brahmakumari meditators and their possible significance National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology April 2, 2026
- Current trends and challenges in EEG research on meditation and mindfulness Discover Psychology October 23, 2024
and 2 more in the library