A systematic review of the neurophysiology of mindfulness on EEG oscillations
Tim Lomas, Itai Ivtzan, Cynthia H.Y. Fu
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 2015 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.09.018 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,715 |
| Population | Healthy individuals and individuals with psychiatric diagnoses |
| Intervention | Mindfulness meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness: meditation Mindfulness meditation Practice Alpha waves Theta waves Brain activity Neurological activity Mental well-being: well-being Relaxed alertness Beneficial mental state Psychological benefits Relaxation Mental health conditions Psychological health |
| Citations | 510 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness meditation is most commonly associated with enhanced alpha and theta power compared to an eyes closed resting state, potentially indicating a state of relaxed alertness. |
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation has been purported as a beneficial practice for wellbeing. It would be expected that the neurophysiology of mindfulness would reflect this impact on wellbeing. However, investigations of the effect of mindfulness have generated mixed reports of increases, decreases, as well as no differences in EEG oscillations in comparison with a resting state and a variety of tasks. We have performed systematic review of EEG studies of mindfulness meditation in order to determine any common effects and to identify factors which may impact on the effects. Databases were reviewed from 1966 to August 2015. Eligibility criteria included empirical quantitative analyses of mindfulness meditation practice and EEG measurements acquired in relation to practice. A total of 56 papers met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review, consisting of a total 1,715 subjects: 1,358 healthy individuals and 357 individuals with psychiatric diagnoses. Studies were principally examined for power outcomes in each bandwidth, in particular the power differentials between mindfulness and the control state, as well as outcomes relating to hemispheric asymmetry and event-related potentials. The systematic review revealed that mindfulness was most commonly associated with enhanced alpha and theta power as compared to an eyes closed resting state, although such outcomes were not uniformly reported. No consistent patterns were observed with respect to beta, delta and gamma bandwidths. In summary, mindfulness is associated with increased alpha and theta power in both healthy individuals and in patient groups. This co-presence of elevated alpha and theta may signify a state of relaxed alertness which is conducive to mental health
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 244
- REBUS and the Anarchic Brain: Toward a Unified Model of the Brain Action of Psychedelics Pharmacological Reviews June 20, 2019
- Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review British Medical Bulletin April 21, 2021
- The impact of mindfulness on well-being and performance in the workplace: an inclusive systematic review of the empirical literature European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology April 19, 2017
- Meditation is associated with increased brain network integration. Neuroimage September 1, 2017
- Mindfulness Meditation Is Related to Long-Lasting Changes in Hippocampal Functional Topology during Resting State: A Magnetoencephalography Study Neural Plasticity December 18, 2018
and 239 more in the library
Cites 57
- Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Psychosomatic Medicine July 1, 2003
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Health Care Professionals: Results From a Randomized Trial. International Journal of Stress Management May 1, 2005
- Self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence (S-ART): a framework for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2012
- Mental Training Affects Distribution of Limited Brain Resources PLoS Biology May 4, 2007
- The meeting of meditative disciplines and western psychology: A mutually enriching dialogue. American Psychologist 2006
and 52 more in the library