Humor similar to meditation enhances EEG power spectral density of gamma wave band activity (31‐40Hz) and synchrony (684.5)
Lee Berk, Clarice Alphonso, Neha Thakker, Bruce Nelson
The FASEB Journal April 1, 2014 DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.684.5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized cross-over EEG study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 31 |
| Population | University students |
| Duration | Two 10-minute videos |
| Measures | EEG Power Spectral Density (PSD) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | Humor-associated mirthful laughter increased EEG power spectral density across all nine recorded cortical regions, most significantly in the gamma band (31-40 Hz), with beta band (13-30 Hz) activity also increasing. The authors argue these changes resemble those seen in experienced meditators and propose humor may serve as a non-pharmacological lifestyle intervention for health and wellness. |
Abstract
Humor associated mirthful laughter (HAML) similar to meditation, both positive brain states, have complex mental processes that can modulate emotions, cognition, memory, sensory perception, consciousness, hormones, immune, and CNS activity. Meditation is used as a non‐pharmacological lifestyle intervention to provide health benefits, from promoting wellness to alleviating symptoms of a variety of medical conditions. Experienced mindfulness and long‐term meditators strive to achieve a brain state of increasing EEG gamma (γ) band activity (31‐40Hz), that is associated with these beneficial changes. We are not aware of any EEG study utilizing the positive brain state of HAML to identify similarities in Power Spectral Density µV 2 (PSD) correlates across frequency bins1‐40Hz, but particularly 31‐40Hz γ band. Purpose : This study assessed EEG PSD in 31 university students during HAML and stress experiences for similarities in PSD across bins1‐40Hz. Methods : EEG activity was recorded from 9 cerebral cortical scalp regions F3, Fz, F4, C3, Cz, C4, P3, POz, and P4 with the EEG B‐Alert 10X System™. To reduce bias effects from a single video intervention a cross‐over design was used where each subject was randomly administered two 10 minute videos: Humor and Stress. Results : HAML increased all 9 channels in synchrony for β Band Activity (13‐30Hz) (βBA) (p<0.01) but most significantly for γBA (31‐40HZ), p<0.001. Total frontal region γBA and βBA were different from theta and αBA for HAML p< .05. Conclusions : HAML has correlates in EEG PSD change for specific bandwidths but most significantly and greatest in PSD & synchrony of γBA. HAML, associated with psychophysiological health benefits and happiness, appears to be similar to meditation in increasing PSD γBA & synchrony. We suggest HAML may be another non‐pharmacological lifestyle intervention to provide health, wellness & adjunctive therapeutic benefits. Further EEG research is being conducted to elaborate and expound on these findings.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |