Lower trait frontal theta activity in mindfulness meditators

Abstract

Acute and long-term effects of mindfulness meditation on theta-band activity are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate frontal theta differences between long- and short-term mindfulness practitioners before, during, and after mindfulness meditation. Twenty participants were recruited, of which 10 were experienced Buddhist meditators. Despite an acute increase in the theta activity during meditation in both the groups, the meditators showed lower trait frontal theta activity. Therefore, we suggested that this finding is a neural correlate of the expert practitioners’ ability to limit the processing of unnecessary information (e.g., discursive thought) and increase the awareness of the essential content of the present experience. In conclusion, acute changes in the theta band throughout meditation did not appear to be a specific correlate of mindfulness but were rather related to the concentration properties of the meditation. Notwithstanding, lower frontal theta activity appeared to be a trait of mindfulness practices.

Electrophysiological Correlates of Long-TermSoto ZenMeditation

“…Thus, we suggest that the meditative state of “mindfulness” technique proposed by Buddhist meditation studied is more related to the development of a “brain more general integrative mechanism” rather than a specific mechanism of integrative focused attention and memory processes [ 15 , 32 ], since the theta/beta induced ratio power (absolute values), the relative theta power, and theta/beta relative ratio power (also in its induced component) were significantly correlated with the FWMP; as if assiduous practitioner had allowed himself, deliberately, innumerable “distractions” during practice; allowing thoughts, feelings, or sensations arise without sticking to any of them [ 33 ]; corroborating the interpretation of “right mindfulness” as the seventh via the “Noble Path” of Buddhism that means “being aware of what is occurring at the present time watching all the thoughts and feelings as they sungem without clinging to them” opposing the focused attention called “right concentration” defined as the ability to focus, “the mind's ability to stand firm on an object” [ 34 – 36 ].…”

EEG captures affective touch: CT-optimal touch and neural oscillations

“…Intriguingly, only a handful of studies have reported an attenuation of theta activity. For example, Tanaka et al (2014) found during rest periods that long-term, relative to shortterm, mindfulness practitioners had lower levels of theta activity. This attenuated theta activity in mindfulness experts may reflect the expert practitioner's ability to limit the processing of unnecessary information to facilitate awareness and acceptance of the context in which they exist, akin to a bottom-up regulatory process (Chiesa et al, 2013).…”

Imagery‐induced negative affect, social touch and frontal EEG power band activity

“…(1996a) reported that fronto‐parietal theta rhythms were elicited by emotional thoughts. In addition, frontal theta decrease when disruptive thoughts are reduced (Tanaka, Peressutti, Teixeira, Cagy, Piedade & Nardi, 2014), supporting that theta is affected by or affect intrusive imagery‐related thoughts. This, together with our findings of theta being linked to electrodermal activity and modulated by attachment, suggest that frontal theta power during negative imagery when holding hands mainly reflects emotional rather than cognitive processes.…”