Mechanisms of white matter changes induced by meditation.

Training in a form of mindfulness meditation called integrative body-mind training (IBMT) improved white matter efficiency in brain areas near the anterior cingulate cortex after four weeks, more than relaxation training. The improvement was shown by increased fractional anisotropy (FA) and decreases in both radial diffusivity (RD) and axial diffusivity (AD), suggesting changes in myelin and other axonal properties. After two weeks of IBMT, only AD decreased, with no change in RD or FA, though mood improved. These results demonstrate a time-course for white matter neuroplasticity from short-term meditation, which could inform interventions for mental disorders.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Using diffusion tensor imaging, several recent studies have shown that training results in changes in white matter efficiency as measured by fractional anisotropy (FA). In our work, we found that a form of mindfulness meditation, integrative body-mind training (IBMT), improved FA in areas surrounding the anterior cingulate cortex after 4-wk training more than controls given relaxation training. Reductions in radial diffusivity (RD) have been interpreted as improved myelin but reductions in axial diffusivity (AD) involve other mechanisms, such as axonal density. We now report that after 4-wk training with IBMT, both RD and AD decrease accompanied by increased FA, indicating improved efficiency of white matter involves increased myelin as well as other axonal changes. However, 2-wk IBMT reduced AD, but not RD or FA, and improved moods. Our results demonstrate the time-course of white matter neuroplasticity in short-term meditation. This dynamic pattern of white matter change involving the anterior cingulate cortex, a part of the brain network related to self-regulation, could provide a means for intervention to improve or prevent mental disorders.