Mindfulness Training Associated With Resting-State Electroencephalograms Dynamics in Novice Practitioners via Mindful Breathing and Body-Scan

Hei Yin Hydra Ng, Changwei W. Wu, Feng Ying Huang, Yu Ting Cheng, Shiao Fei Guu, Chih Mao Huang, Chia Fen Hsu, Yi Ping Chao*, Tzyy Ping Jung, Chun Hsiang Chuang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: Mindfulness-based stress reduction has been proven to improve mental health and quality of life. This study examined how mindfulness training and various types of mindfulness practices altered brain activity. Methods: Specifically, the spectral powers of scalp electroencephalography of the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) group (n=17) who underwent an 8-week MBSR training—including mindful breathing and body-scan—were evaluated and compared with those of the waitlist controls (n=14). Results: Empirical results indicated that the post-intervention effect of MBSR significantly elevated the resting-state beta powers and reduced resting-state delta powers in both practices; such changes were not observed in the waitlist control. Compared with mindful breathing, body-scanning resulted in an overall decline in electroencephalograms (EEG) spectral powers at both delta and low-gamma bands among trained participants. Conclusion: Together with our preliminary data of expert mediators, the aforementioned spectral changes were salient after intervention, but mitigated along with expertise. Additionally, after receiving training, the MBSR group’s mindfulness and emotion regulation levels improved significantly, which were correlated with the EEG spectral changes in the theta, alpha, and low-beta bands. The results supported that MBSR might function as a unique internal processing tool that involves increased vigilant capability and induces alterations similar to other cognitive training.

Original languageEnglish
Article number748584
JournalFrontiers in Psychology
Volume12
DOIs
StatePublished - 28 10 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2021 Ng, Wu, Huang, Cheng, Guu, Huang, Hsu, Chao, Jung and Chuang.

Keywords

  • difficulties in emotion regulation scale
  • electroencephalograms
  • five facet mindfulness questionnaire
  • mindfulness
  • mindfulness-based stress reduction
  • spectral power

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