Heart rate variability (HRV) can reveal the effects of mindfulness, but the pattern of change differs between novice and experienced practitioners. In a 14-day mindfulness training study with 46 participants (20 experienced, 26 novices), both groups showed significant changes in HRV indices (RMSSD, SDNN, LnHF) from baseline to mindfulness practice or afterward. Experienced practitioners exhibited significant fluctuations during mindfulness (in SD1/SD2, Sample Entropy, normalized High Frequency, DFA_α1, and DFA_α2) that recovered afterward, while novices showed only monotonic changes in SD1/SD2 and DFA_α1. These distinct patterns suggest that practice experience influences the physiological response to mindfulness.
A 14-day internet-based, self-guided short-term mindfulness training program based on the Monitor and Acceptance Theory reduced depressive symptoms and improved mindfulness in Chinese adults. In a randomized trial with 205 participants, those in the training group showed significant improvements compared with a wait-list control group, with moderate effect sizes (Cohen d around 0.5 for depressive symptoms and mindfulness). Dropout rates were relatively low (under 40%), and participants reported high acceptance of the format. The program, delivered via the "Hi Emotion" platform, offers a scalable approach to help address the gap between limited mental health resources and high demand in China.