Disrupting The Resting State: Meta-Analytic Evidence That Mindfulness Training Alters Default Mode Network Connectivity

Abstract

This meta-analysis sought to expand upon neurobiological models of mindfulness through investigation of inherent brain network connectivity outcomes, indexed via resting state functional connectivity (rsFC). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of rsFC as an outcome of mindfulness training (MT) relative to structurally-equivalent programs, with the hypothesis that that MT would increase cross-network connectivity between nodes of the Default Mode Network (DMN), Salience Network (SN), and Frontoparietal Control Network (FPCN) as a mechanism of internally-oriented attentional control. Texts were identified from the databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, ERIC, PSYCINFO, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Sciences; and were screened for inclusion based on experimental/quasi-experimental trial design and use of standardized mindfulness-based interventions. RsFC effects were extracted from twelve studies (mindfulness n = 226; control n = 204). Voxel-based meta-analysis revealed significantly greater rsFC (MT > control) between the left middle cingulate (Hedge’s g = .234, p = 0288, I2 = 15.87), located within the SN, and the posterior cingulate cortex, a focal hub of the DMN. Egger’s test for publication bias was nonsignificant, bias = 2.17, p = .162. In support of our hypothesis, results suggest that MT targets internetwork (SN-DMN) connectivity implicated in the flexible control of internally-oriented attention.

Epigenetic, psychological, and EEG changes after a 1-week retreat based on mindfulness and compassion for stress reduction in healthy adults: Study protocol of a cross-over randomized controlled trial

“…These changes have also been observed in three-day intensive meditation retreats [27]. Similarly, although the evidence for brain volumetric change is uncertain [28], there is data on changes in frontoparietal and default network connectivity during resting state tests [29,30]. There is also promising evidence that intensive intervention practices, in a retreat format, are associated with significant changes in gene expression that might be potentially regulated by epigenetic mechanisms.…”

“…have increased the sample by an additional 20% to 26 participants for each condition (52 in total). This sample size further corresponds to the average size of standard meditation retreats [11,41] and in studies of brain activity in meditators [29,30].…”

Epigenetic, psychological, and EEG changes after a 1-week retreat based on mindfulness and compassion for stress reduction: Study protocol of a cross-over randomized controlled trial

“…These changes have also been observed in three-day intensive meditation retreats [27]. Similarly, although the evidence for brain volumetric change is uncertain [28], there is data on changes in frontoparietal and default network connectivity during resting state tests [29,30].…”

“…In anticipation that there may be last-minute dropouts in pre-registrants or incomplete data in the sample collection or the analysis of the planned psychological or biological data, we have increased the sample by an additional 20% to 26 participants for each condition (52 in total). This sample size further corresponds to the average size of standard meditation retreats [11] and in studies of brain activity in meditators [29,30].…”

“…These changes have also been observed in three-day intensive meditation retreats [27]. Similarly, although the evidence for brain volumetric change is uncertain [28], there is data on changes in frontoparietal and default network connectivity during resting state tests [29,30]. There is also promising evidence that intensive intervention practices, in a retreat format, are associated with significant changes in gene expression that might be potentially regulated by epigenetic mechanisms.…”