EEG based interpretation of human brain activity during yoga and meditation using machine learning: A systematic review

Kora, Padmavathi; Meenakshi, K.; Swaraja, K.; Rajani, A.; Raju, Mantena Satyanarayana

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101329

Cited by 47 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 86 publications

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“…Although we did not use the EEG part of MUSE for our study, the device is able to record brain waves in various meditative techniques [ 12 ]. There are several studies that have used EEG to evaluate brain activity during meditation [ 21 - 24 ]. A study evaluated the effect of Vipassana using EEG and found reduced delta waves and an increase in theta in the frontal regions of the brain [ 21 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Retrospective Analysis of Three Focused Attention Meditation Techniques: Mantra, Breath, and External-Point Meditation

Sharma¹,

Wernicke²,

Rahman³

et al. 2022

Cureus

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Objective The goal of this study is to compare the effectiveness of three different meditation techniques (two internal focus techniques and one external focus technique) using a low-cost portable electroencephalography (EEG) device, namely, MUSE, for an objective comparison. Methods This is an IRB-approved retrospective study. All participants in the study were healthy adults. Each study participant (n = 34) was instructed to participate in three meditation sessions: mantra (internal), breath (internal), and external point. The MUSE brain-sensing headband (EEG) was used to document the “total time spent in the calm state” and the “total time spent in the calm or neutral state” (outcomes) in each three-minute session to conduct separate analyses for the meditation type. Separate generalized linear models (GLM) with unstructured covariance structures were used to examine the association between each outcome and the explanatory variable (meditation type). For all models, if there was a significant association between the outcome and the explanatory variable, pairwise comparisons were carried out using the Tukey-Kramer correction. Results The median time (in seconds) spent in the calm state while practicing mantra meditation was 131.5 (IQR: 94-168), while practicing breath meditation was 150 (IQR: 113-164), and while practicing external-point meditation was 100 (IQR: 62-126). Upon analysis, there was a significant association between the meditation type and the time spent in the calm state (p-value = 0.0006). Conclusion This is the first study comparing “internal” versus “external” meditation techniques using an objective measure. Our study shows the breath and mantra technique as superior to the external-point technique as regards time spent in the calm state. Additional research is needed using a combination of “EEG” and patient-reported surveys to compare various meditative practices. The findings from this study can help incorporate specific meditation practices in future mindfulness-based studies that are focused on healthcare settings and on impacting clinical outcomes, such as survival or disease outcomes.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is possibly increased theta activity during Yoga Nidra and Sahaja Yoga meditation techniques [ 22 , 23 ]. In another study, strong delta and theta coherencies were seen during meditation with closed eyes, and no alpha coherency and changes in alpha and theta coherence during group meditation correlated with relaxation [ 24 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Retrospective Analysis of Three Focused Attention Meditation Techniques: Mantra, Breath, and External-Point Meditation

Sharma¹,

Wernicke²,

Rahman³

et al. 2022

Cureus

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In fact, categorizations like Buddhist-based and Hindu-based are oversimplifications, as a range of brainwave and/or network activity changes are observed during meditation of any style, reflecting the different mental states and stages of consciousness that practitioners move through ( Fell et al, 2010 ; Kora et al, 2021 ). It is therefore important to consider the journey from beginner to expert, which may reflect a gradually changing and expanding consciousness.…”

Section: The Neuroscientific Perspective: a Brief Overview Of Meditat...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Moreover, there are methodological challenges to EEG measurements during meditation, which are often confounded by muscle relaxation. These need to be addressed when studying the effects of meditation on brainwaves ( Deolindo et al, 2020 ; Kora et al, 2021 ). In addition, even the specific networks involved in meditation are expected to change from beginner to expert.…”

Section: The Neuroscientific Perspective: a Brief Overview Of Meditat...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Heartfulness Meditation: A Yogic and Neuroscientific Perspective

Westeinde

Patel²

2022

Front. Psychol.

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Today, as research into the contemplative sciences is being widely referenced, the research community would benefit from an understanding of the Heartfulness method of meditation. Heartfulness offers an in-depth experiential practice focused on the evolution of human consciousness using the ancient technique of Pranahuti (yogic Transmission) during Meditation, in combination with the more active mental practice of “Cleaning.” Both are enabled by initiation into the Heartfulness practices. These unique features distinguish Heartfulness from other paths that have been described in the scientific literature thus far. In this introductory paper, we present the Heartfulness practices, the philosophy upon which the practices are based, and we reflect on the putative mechanisms through which Heartfulness could exert its effects on the human body and mind in the light of scientific research that has been done in other meditation systems. We conclude with suggestions for future research on the Heartfulness way of meditation.

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“…A functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) study found increased blood flow (measured by HbO concentration) to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during a yoga breathing technique [48] and increased bilateral blood flow to the prefrontal cortex in yoga practitioners compared to non-practitioners during sustained attention [49]. Electroencephalograms (EEGs) have also been conducted during various yoga practices with little movement [50]. In [30], the findings are consistent with the notion that yoga can improve cognitive regulation, to the point of offsetting the age-related decline in fluid intelligence in practitioners.…”

Section: Existing Research On Yogamentioning

confidence: 99%

Real-World fNIRS Brain Activity Measurements during Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

Dybvik

Steinert

2021

Brain Sciences

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Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is often praised for its portability and robustness towards motion artifacts. While an increasing body of fNIRS research in real-world environments is emerging, most fNIRS studies are still conducted in laboratories, and do not incorporate larger movements performed by participants. This study extends fNIRS applications in real-world environments by conducting a single-subject observational study of a yoga practice with considerable movement (Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga) in a participant’s natural environment (their apartment). The results show differences in cognitive load (prefrontal cortex activation) when comparing technically complex postures to relatively simple ones, but also some contrasts with surprisingly little difference. This study explores the boundaries of real-world cognitive load measurements, and contributes to the empirical knowledge base of using fNIRS in realistic settings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of fNIRS brain imaging recorded during any moving yoga practice. Future work with fNIRS should take advantage of this by accomplishing studies with considerable real-world movement.

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EEG based interpretation of human brain activity during yoga and meditation using machine learning: A systematic review

Cited by 47 publications

References 86 publications

A Retrospective Analysis of Three Focused Attention Meditation Techniques: Mantra, Breath, and External-Point Meditation

A Retrospective Analysis of Three Focused Attention Meditation Techniques: Mantra, Breath, and External-Point Meditation

Heartfulness Meditation: A Yogic and Neuroscientific Perspective

Real-World fNIRS Brain Activity Measurements during Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

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