EEG feature extraction as markers for states and traits associated with Mindfulness meditation practice
Juan José Sánchez Vásquez, E. Estelles
2019 IEEE 39th Central America and Panama Convention November 1, 2019 DOI: 10.1109/concapanxxxix47272.2019.8977064 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Expert and novice meditators |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The authors report that expert and novice meditators differed in Alpha and Theta frequency bands and in spectral entropy levels, with changes most noticeable in the prefrontal cortex. They suggest these differences may be associated with increased experience in meditation practice and propose spectral entropy as an indicator of long-term practice progression. |
Abstract
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a low-cost technique for registering rhythmic brain oscillations. Electroencephalographic studies of meditative states have been conducted for nearly 50 years, but no clear consensus has emerged about the neurophysiological changes underlying the practice of meditation. EEG 8-channel registration was performed on expert and novice meditators. A spectral analysis of the signals and a spectral entropy analysis was performed. Relevant neurophysiological differences were found between expert and novice meditators in the Alpha and Theta frequency bands and the entropy levels in each signal, that allow objective evaluation of the progression of meditation. These changes are especially noticeable in the prefrontal cortex. Changes in the states of the Alpha and Theta frequency bands may be associated with increased experience in meditation practice. Spectral entropy can serve as an indicator of long-term therapy progression.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Undergraduate students | 2006 | Observational cohort | |
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Long-term Buddhist practitioners and controls | 2004 | Observational cohort |