Meta-analytic evidence that mindfulness training alters resting state default mode network connectivity
Hadley Rahrig, David R. Vago, Matthew A. Passarelli, Allison Auten, Nicholas A. Lynn, Kirk Warren Brown
Scientific Reports July 18, 2022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15195-6 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA meta-analysis of twelve studies (226 mindfulness participants, 204 controls) found that mindfulness training increased resting-state functional connectivity between the left middle cingulate cortex (part of the salience network) and the posterior cingulate cortex (a hub of the default mode network), compared to control conditions. This effect, though small (Hedge's g = 0.234), was statistically significant and showed low heterogeneity across studies. The result supports the idea that mindfulness training enhances communication between brain networks involved in flexible, internally-oriented attentional control. No evidence of publication bias was detected.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 430 |
| Population | Participants from experimental or quasi-experimental trials of mindfulness training |
| Intervention | mindfulness training |
| Topics | Default mode network Meditation |
| Keywords | Anterior cingulate cortex Meta-analysis Psycinfo |
| Citations | 83 |
| Key finding | Mindfulness training, relative to control, increased resting-state functional connectivity between the left middle cingulate (salience network) and the posterior cingulate cortex (default mode network). |
Abstract
Abstract This meta-analysis sought to expand upon neurobiological models of mindfulness through investigation of inherent brain network connectivity outcomes, indexed via resting state functional connectivity (rsFC). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of rsFC as an outcome of mindfulness training (MT) relative to control, with the hypothesis that MT would increase cross-network connectivity between nodes of the Default Mode Network (DMN), Salience Network (SN), and Frontoparietal Control Network (FPCN) as a mechanism of internally-oriented attentional control. Texts were identified from the databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, ERIC, PSYCINFO, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Sciences; and were screened for inclusion based on experimental/quasi-experimental trial design and use of mindfulness-based training interventions. RsFC effects were extracted from twelve studies (mindfulness n = 226; control n = 204). Voxel-based meta-analysis revealed significantly greater rsFC (MT > control) between the left middle cingulate ( Hedge’s g = .234, p = 0.0288, I 2 = 15.87), located within the SN, and the posterior cingulate cortex, a focal hub of the DMN. Egger’s test for publication bias was nonsignificant, bias = 2.17, p = 0.162. In support of our hypothesis, results suggest that MT targets internetwork (SN-DMN) connectivity implicated in the flexible control of internally-oriented attention.