Mindfulness Training is Associated with Changes in Alpha-Theta Cross-Frequency Dynamics During Meditation
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ORIGINAL PAPER
Mindfulness Training is Associated with Changes in Alpha-Theta Cross-Frequency Dynamics During Meditation Julio Rodriguez-Larios 1 & Kian Foong Wong 2 & Julian Lim 2 & Kaat Alaerts 1
# Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Objectives Previous literature suggests that cross-frequency phase synchronization is a mechanism by which information is transmitted and coordinated in the brain. Since cross-frequency phase synchronization is only strictly possible when two oscillators form a harmonic frequency ratio (e.g., 2:1, 3:1), a recent theory posited that interactions between brain oscillations at different frequencies are facilitated/hindered by the transient occurrence of harmonic/non-harmonic cross-frequency arrangements. In this line, recent evidence has shown that 2:1 harmonic relationships between alpha (8–14 Hz) and theta (4–8 Hz) rhythms are reduced during meditative states in experienced practitioners. In the present study, we investigated whether mindfulness training in novices is associated with longitudinal changes in alpha-theta cross-frequency dynamics during meditation practice. Methods Thirty-six participants (mean age = 30.3; 2 men) underwent an 8-week mindfulness training program based on the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) syllabus and electroencephalography (EEG) recordings (64 electrodes) were performed during a guided meditation before and after the training. Results Mindfulness training compliance (quantified by minutes of attendance and practice at home) was significantly correlated to decreased 3:1 harmonicity and cross-frequency phase synchrony between alpha and theta rhythms during meditation. Conclusions Mindfulness training in novices was shown to be associated with a reduction in alpha-theta cross-frequency coupling during meditation. EEG parameters based on alpha-theta cross-frequency dynamics may be adequate for quantifying and/or facilitating mindfulness meditation training. Keywords Neural oscillations . Mindfulness . Cross-frequency coupling . Meditation
The practice of mindfulness, which is defined as paying attention to the present moment in a purposeful and nonjudgmental way (Kabat-Zinn 2006), has been shown to have positive effects on mental health (Keng et al. 2011). In particular, different versions of the standardized 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training program (Kabat-Zinn 1982) have been successfully used to reduce depression and anxiety in clinical and non-clinical populations (Deplus et al. 2016; Desrosiers et al. 2013; Hilton et al. 2016; Keng et al. 2011). Concerning its mechanisms of
* Kaat Alaerts [email protected] 1
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Group for Neurorehabilitation (eNRGy), University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
2
Centre for Sleep and Cognition, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
action, several authors have proposed that the ability to be mindful in the present moment reduces unnec
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