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Title: | Mindfulness Training is Associated with Changes in Alpha-Theta Cross-Frequency Dynamics During Meditation |
Authors: | Rodriguez-Larios, J Wong, KF Lim, J Alaerts, K |
Keywords: | neural oscillations;mindfulness;cross-frequency coupling;meditation |
Issue Date: | 25-Aug-2020 |
Publisher: | Springer Nature |
Citation: | Rodriguez-Larios, J. et al. (2020) 'Mindfulness Training is Associated with Changes in Alpha-Theta Cross-Frequency Dynamics During Meditation', Mindfulness, 11 (12), pp. 2695 - 2704. doi: 10.1007/s12671-020-01487-3. |
Abstract: | Objectives: Previous literature suggests that cross-frequency phase synchronization is a mechanism by which information is transmitted and coordinated in the brain. Since cross-frequency phase synchronization is only strictly possible when two oscillators form a harmonic frequency ratio (e.g., 2:1, 3:1), a recent theory posited that interactions between brain oscillations at different frequencies are facilitated/hindered by the transient occurrence of harmonic/non-harmonic cross-frequency arrangements. In this line, recent evidence has shown that 2:1 harmonic relationships between alpha (8–14 Hz) and theta (4–8 Hz) rhythms are reduced during meditative states in experienced practitioners. In the present study, we investigated whether mindfulness training in novices is associated with longitudinal changes in alpha-theta cross-frequency dynamics during meditation practice. Methods: Thirty-six participants (mean age = 30.3; 2 men) underwent an 8-week mindfulness training program based on the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) syllabus and electroencephalography (EEG) recordings (64 electrodes) were performed during a guided meditation before and after the training. Results: Mindfulness training compliance (quantified by minutes of attendance and practice at home) was significantly correlated to decreased 3:1 harmonicity and cross-frequency phase synchrony between alpha and theta rhythms during meditation. Conclusions: Mindfulness training in novices was shown to be associated with a reduction in alpha-theta cross-frequency coupling during meditation. EEG parameters based on alpha-theta cross-frequency dynamics may be adequate for quantifying and/or facilitating mindfulness meditation training. |
Description: | Data Availability: All data are available at the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/y23k8/?view_only=74193001fd39435b853b6a0b641d1e72 |
URI: | https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/27629 |
DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01487-3 |
ISSN: | 1868-8527 |
Other Identifiers: | ORCID iD: Julio Rodriguez-Larios https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4014-2973 |
Appears in Collections: | Dept of Life Sciences Research Papers |
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FullText.pdf | Copyright © Springer Science + Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020. This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01487-3 (see: https://www.springernature.com/gp/open-research/policies/journal-policies). | 1.05 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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