A Review of the Methodology, Taxonomy, and Definitions in Recent fMRI Research on Meditation

Engström, Maria; Willander, Johan; Simon, Rozalyn

doi:10.1007/s12671-021-01782-7

Cited by 10 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 71 publications

(132 reference statements)

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“…Interestingly, no significant difference between meditators and novices was noted in the resting states either pre or post-Yoga Nidra. Several studies on the resting state have shown that prolonged and regular meditation practitioners have altered DMN FC compared to novices [58][59][60] . Whereas, some have found no significant differences in DMN FC between meditators and controls during rest 61 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Brain Connectivity Changes in Meditators and Novices during Yoga Nidra: A Novel fMRI Study

Fialoke,

Tripathi,

Thakral

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Yoga Nidra practice aims to induce a deeply relaxed state akin to sleep while maintaining heightened awareness. Despite the growing interest in its clinical applications, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying neural correlates of the practice of Yoga Nidra (YN) remains largely unexplored. In this novel fMRI investigation, we aim to discover the differences between wakeful resting states and states attained during YN practice. The study included individuals experienced in meditation and/or yogic practices, referred to as 'meditators' (n=30), and novice controls (n=31). The GLM analysis, based on audio instructions, demonstrated activation related to auditory cues without concurrent Default Mode Network (DMN) deactivation. Additionally, meditators exhibited heightened bilateral thalamic activation compared to novices. DMN seed based Functional connectivity (FC) analysis revealed significant reductions in connectivity among meditators during YN as compared to controls. We did not find differences between the two groups during the pre and post resting state scans. Moreover, when DMN-FC was compared between the YN state and resting state, meditators showed distinct decoupling, whereas controls showed increased DMN-FC. Finally, meditators exhibit a remarkable correlation between reduced DMN connectivity during Yoga Nidra and self-reported hours of cumulative meditation and yoga practice. Together, these results suggest a unique neural modulation of the DMN in meditators during Yoga Nidra which results in being restful yet aware, aligned with their subjective experience of the practice. The study deepens our understanding of the neural mechanisms of Yoga Nidra, revealing distinct DMN connectivity decoupling in meditators and its relationship with meditation and yoga experience. These findings have interdisciplinary implications for neuroscience, psychology, and yogic disciplines.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Brain Connectivity Changes in Meditators and Novices during Yoga Nidra: A Novel fMRI Study

Fialoke,

Tripathi,

Thakral

et al. 2023

Preprint

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“…In this case, we can see that the characteristic of mantra simply does not provide the level of distinction/differentiation required for an orthogonal overarching domain. • Somatic elements: This term refers to various bodily/physical characteristics, such as the prescribed postures and movements in Hatha Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, walking meditation, and mudras (hand movements/gestures; e.g., Matko et al, 2018Matko et al, , 2021Matko and Sedlmeier, 2019;Engström et al, 2022). Once again, we pose the fundamental question-is it efficacious for all so-called "somatic" methods to be grouped together in the same category, even though many of these MMs would demonstrate varying goals/ intentions, and markedly different neurophysiological and phenomenological correlates?…”

Section: Theoretical Taxonomic Foundationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…6. Engström et al (2022) : “A Review of the Methodology, Taxonomy, and Definitions in Recent fMRI Research on Meditation.”…”

Section: A Critical Review Of Nine Other Classification Proposals (20...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…When formulating terminology for their classification categories, many authors “borrow” previously published first-person semantics and/or devise their own designations, such as: “Constructive, and Deconstructive Families” ( Dahl et al, 2015 ); “Amount of Body Orientation” and “Activation” ( Matko et al, 2021 ); “Wholesome and Unwholesome Qualities” and “The Present Moment” ( Engström et al, 2022 ); “Awareness of Awareness” and “Awareness of Objects” ( Sparby and Sacchet, 2022 ). This paper has previously outlined why using these kinds of terms for this purpose is problematic—they are difficult for CoNS researchers to measure, and are wide-open to misinterpretation, conflation, and debate; especially when compared to stable and universally accepted third-person constructs such as Affect and Cognition.…”

Section: A Critical Review Of Nine Other Classification Proposals (20...mentioning

confidence: 99%

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An updated classification of meditation methods using principles of taxonomy and systematics

Nash¹,

Newberg

2023

Front. Psychol.

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This paper revisits the proposal for the classification of meditation methods which we introduced in our initial 2013 publication, “Toward a Universal Taxonomy and Definition of Meditation”. At that time, we advanced the thesis that meditation methods could be effectively segregated into three orthogonal categories by integrating the taxonomic principle of functional essentialism and the paradigm of Affect and Cognition; and we presented relevant research findings which supported that assertion. This iteration expands upon those theoretical and methodological elements by articulating a more comprehensive Three Tier Classification System which accounts for the full range of meditation methods; and demonstrates how recent neuroscience research continues to validate and support our thesis. This paper also introduces a novel criterion-based protocol for formulating classification systems of meditation methods, and demonstrates how this model can be used to compare and evaluate various other taxonomy proposals that have been published over the past 15 years.

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“…Finally, many fMRI studies of meditation (including focused attention meditation) do not necessarily include assessments to measure behavioural changes before and after a meditation session inside an MRI scanner (Engström et al, 2022). Similarly, there is no clear understanding of how the behavioural impact produced by meditation inside the MRI scanner changes over time.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Meditation attenuates Default-mode activity: a pilot study using ultra-high strength MRI

Ganesan¹,

Moffat

Dam³

et al. 2023

Preprint

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ObjectivesMapping the neurobiology of meditation using 3 Tesla functional MRI (fMRI) has burgeoned recently. However, limitations in signal quality and neuroanatomical resolution have impacted reliability and precision of extant findings. Although ultra-high strength 7 Tesla MRI overcomes these limitations, investigation of meditation using 7 Tesla fMRI is still in its infancy.MethodsIn this feasibility study, we scanned 10 individuals who were beginner meditators using 7 Tesla fMRI while they performed focused attention meditation and non-focused rest. We also measured and adjusted the fMRI signal for key physiological differences between meditation and rest. Finally, we explored the 2-week impact of the single fMRI meditation session on mindfulness, anxiety and focused attention attributes.ResultsGroup-level task fMRI analyses revealed significant reductions in activity during meditation relative to rest in Default-mode network hubs, i.e., antero-medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate cortices, precuneus, as well as visual and thalamic regions. These findings survived stringent statistical corrections for fluctuations in physiological responses which demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.05/n, Bonferroni controlled) between meditation and rest. Compared to baseline, State Mindfulness Scale (SMS) scores were significantly elevated (F = 8.16, p<0.05/n, Bonferroni controlled) following the fMRI meditation session, and were closely maintained at 2-week follow up.ConclusionsThis pilot study establishes the feasibility and utility of investigating focused attention meditation using ultra-high strength (7 Tesla) fMRI, by supporting widespread evidence that focused attention meditation attenuates Default-mode activity responsible for self-referential processing. Future functional neuroimaging studies of meditation should control for physiological confounds and include behavioural assessments.

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A Review of the Methodology, Taxonomy, and Definitions in Recent fMRI Research on Meditation

Cited by 10 publications

References 71 publications

Brain Connectivity Changes in Meditators and Novices during Yoga Nidra: A Novel fMRI Study

Brain Connectivity Changes in Meditators and Novices during Yoga Nidra: A Novel fMRI Study

An updated classification of meditation methods using principles of taxonomy and systematics

Meditation attenuates Default-mode activity: a pilot study using ultra-high strength MRI

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