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Electrophysiological effects of mindfulness meditation in a concentration test

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Abstract

In this paper, we evaluate the effects of mindfulness meditation training in electrophysiological signals, recorded during a concentration task. Longitudinal experiments have been limited to the analysis of psychological scores through depression, anxiety, and stress state (DASS) surveys. Here, we present a longitudinal study, confronting DASS survey data with electrocardiography (ECG), electroencephalography (EEG), and electrodermal activity (EDA) signals. Twenty-five university student volunteers (mean age = 26, SD = 7, 9 male) attended a 25-h mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) course, over a period of 8 weeks. There were four evaluation periods: pre/peri/post-course and a fourth follow-up, after 2 months. All three recorded biosignals presented congruent results, in line with the expected benefits of regular meditation practice. In average, EDA activity decreased throughout the course, −64.5%, whereas the mean heart rate displayed a small reduction, −5.8%, possibly as a result of an increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity. Prefrontal (AF3) cortical alpha activity, often associated with calm conditions, saw a very significant increase, 148.1%. Also, the number of stressed and anxious subjects showed a significant decrease, −92.9% and −85.7%, respectively. Easy to practice and within everyone’s reach, this mindfulness meditation can be used proactively to prevent or enhance better quality of life.

Graphical abstract

25 volunteers attended a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course in 4 evaluation periods: Pre/Peri/Post-course and a fourth follow-up after two months. A Depression, Anxiety and Stress State (DASS) survey is completed in each period. Electrodermal Activity (EDA), Electrocardiography (ECG) and Electroencephalography (EEG) are also recorded and processed. By integrating self-reported surveys and electrophysiological recordings there is strong evidence of evolution in wellbeing. Mindfulness meditation can be used proactively to prevent or enhance better quality of life.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank LIBPhys, Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering, and Radiation Physics from NOVA School of Science and Technology, for the equipment, laboratory, and all conditions provided.

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  1. Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics - Department of Physics, NOVA School of Science and Technology - NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

    Pedro Morais, Claúdia Quaresma, Ricardo Vigário & Carla Quintão

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  1. Pedro Morais
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Correspondence to Pedro Morais.

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for this research was obtained from the Ethics Committee of NOVA School of Science and Technology - NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal. The study was performed following the ethical standards of the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments.

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Morais, P., Quaresma, C., Vigário, R. et al. Electrophysiological effects of mindfulness meditation in a concentration test. Med Biol Eng Comput 59, 759–773 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-021-02332-y

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