Decreased Beta and Gamma Band Power following Mantra Exposure: An EEG Analysis in Expectant Mothers

Abstract

Meditation and exposure to auditory mantra are increasingly being acknowledged for their ability to modulate neural activity and promote relaxation, particularly during pregnancy—a period marked by heightened emotional and physiological sensitivity. This EEG study looked at 43 pregnant women with their eyes closed in three different states: resting state (RS), while listening to a mantra (M), and after the mantra (AM). Band power was examined for 32 scalp channels in the Delta (0.5–4 Hz), Beta (13–30 Hz), and Gamma (30–41 Hz) bands. Modulation in the delta power from 130.06 μV2/Hz (RS) to 141.71 μV2/Hz (M) was observed. Beta power dropped from 54.76 μV2/Hz (RS) to 50.77 μV2/bps (M) suggesting relaxation. The decrease in gamma power from 18.61 μV2/Hz (RS) to 15.56 μV2/Hz (AM) points to a decrease in sensory processing. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed significant decreases in both Gamma power during (p = 0.0108) and after (p = 0.0172) mantra listening, as well as in Beta power post-mantra (p = 0.0054). Under all circumstances, there was no significant change in delta power. Significant changes in Delta and Gamma were found in the third trimester, according to trimester-wise study. These results support the idea that mantra exposure promotes mental wellbeing and relaxation by reducing higher-frequency brain activity.