Mindfulness Training Associated With Resting-State Electroencephalograms Dynamics in Novice Practitioners via Mindful Breathing and Body-Scan.
Hei-Yin Hydra Ng, Changwei W Wu, Feng-Ying Huang, Yu‐Ting Cheng, Shiao-Fei Guu, Chih-Mao Huang, Chia-Fen Hsu, Yi-Ping Chao, Tzyy-Ping Jung, Chun-Hsiang Chuang
Frontiers in Psychology 2021 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.748584 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Controlled comparison with waitlist control Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 31 |
| Population | Adults undergoing MBSR training and waitlist controls |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) mindful breathing body-scan |
| Duration | 8-week MBSR training |
| Measures | Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, scalp electroencephalography (EEG) spectral power |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Electroencephalograms Mindfulness-based stress reduction Spectral power |
| Key points | MBSR training was associated with increased resting-state beta power and reduced resting-state delta power, changes not seen in waitlist controls. Among trained participants, body-scanning lowered EEG spectral power at delta and low-gamma bands relative to mindful breathing. The authors report that mindfulness and emotion regulation improved significantly and correlated with theta, alpha, and low-beta spectral changes, suggesting MBSR may act as an internal processing tool involving increased vigilant capability. |
Abstract
Objectives: Mindfulness-based stress reduction has been proven to improve mental health and quality of life. This study examined how mindfulness training and various types of mindfulness practices altered brain activity.
Methods: Specifically, the spectral powers of scalp electroencephalography of the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) group (n=17) who underwent an 8-week MBSR training-including mindful breathing and body-scan-were evaluated and compared with those of the waitlist controls (n=14).
Results: Empirical results indicated that the post-intervention effect of MBSR significantly elevated the resting-state beta powers and reduced resting-state delta powers in both practices; such changes were not observed in the waitlist control. Compared with mindful breathing, body-scanning resulted in an overall decline in electroencephalograms (EEG) spectral powers at both delta and low-gamma bands among trained participants.
Conclusion: Together with our preliminary data of expert mediators, the aforementioned spectral changes were salient after intervention, but mitigated along with expertise. Additionally, after receiving training, the MBSR group's mindfulness and emotion regulation levels improved significantly, which were correlated with the EEG spectral changes in the theta, alpha, and low-beta bands. The results supported that MBSR might function as a unique internal processing tool that involves increased vigilant capability and induces alterations similar to other cognitive training.
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- EEG-based investigation of effects of mindfulness meditation training on state and trait by deep learning and traditional machine learning Frontiers in Human Neuroscience August 31, 2023
- Interoceptive awareness: MBSR training alters information processing of salience network Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience March 21, 2023
- The effect of Zentangle on cognitive focus, emotional well‐being, and stress levels: A neural perspective Brain and Behavior August 1, 2024
- Discussion on the Application of Mindfulness Therapy in the Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Narrative Review Psychology Research and Behavior Management August 1, 2025
- Frontal Electroencephalography Asymmetry and Desynchronized Functional Connectivity Associated with Long-Term and Short-Term Breathing Training Mindfulness 2026
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