Insights and Future Directions on the Combined Effects of Mind-Body Therapies with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: An Evidence-based Review.
Ingrid Rebello-Sanchez, Karen Vasquez-Avila, Joao Parente, Kevin Pacheco-Barrios, Paulo S De Melo, Paulo E P Teixeira, Kian Jong, Wolnei Caumo, Felipe Fregni
The journal of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 2022 DOI: 10.4103/ijprm.jisprm-000167 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 461 |
| Population | Participants in randomized clinical trials combining MBTs with tDCS |
| Interventions | mindfulness biofeedback Transcranial direct current stimulation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Biofeedback Hypnosis Mind body therapies Tdcs |
| Key findings | A review of ten RCTs found that combining mind-body therapies with tDCS is a promising but heterogeneous field, with meditation and mindfulness being the most common MBTs tested. |
Abstract
Mind-body therapies (MBTs) use mental abilities to modify electrical neural activity across brain networks. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that modulates neuronal membrane potentials to enhance neuroplasticity. A combination of these treatment strategies may generate synergistic or additive effects, and thus has been more commonly tested in clinical trials, fostering a novel yet promising field of research. We conducted a literature search in four different databases including only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that tested the combination of MBTs with tDCS. Ten studies (n=461) were included. Combined protocols included meditation/mindfulness (8/10), biofeedback (1/10), and hypnosis (1/10). The RCTs were heterogeneous with regards to population, design, and types of outcomes. Based on the findings of this search, we provide here a content description, methodological and practical insights, and future directions for the field. We hope this review will provide future authors with information to facilitate the development of trials with improved protocols.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Combination of non-invasive brain stimulation with mindfulness-based interventions for anxiety and depression symptoms: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience November 17, 2024
- Mindfulness practices and transcranial direct current stimulation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of self-reported mindfulness. Brain and Cognition May 27, 2025
- Neuromodulation and meditation: A review and synthesis toward promoting well-being and understanding consciousness and brain. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews August 1, 2024
Cites 16
- Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review British Medical Bulletin April 21, 2021
- Mindfulness is associated with intrinsic functional connectivity between default mode and salience networks Frontiers in Human Neuroscience August 25, 2015
- Meditation is associated with increased brain network integration. Neuroimage September 1, 2017
- Hypnotic induction is followed by state-like changes in the organization of EEG functional connectivity in the theta and beta frequency bands in high-hypnotically susceptible individuals Frontiers in Human Neuroscience July 24, 2014
- Effect of Brief Mindfulness Induction on University Athletes’ Sleep Quality Following Night Training Frontiers in Psychology April 12, 2018
and 11 more in the library