Effects of web-based mindfulness training on psychological outcomes, attention, and neuroplasticity.
Scientific reports December 19, 2023 María Guadalupe Mora Álvarez, Britta Karen Hölzel, Benno Bremer et al. 19 citations
A 31-day web-based mindfulness meditation training reduced perceived stress and anxiety and improved overall reaction time on an attention test, though no specific attentional components were affected. The training also increased flow experiences. Brain imaging showed increased activity in the superior frontal gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex, and right hippocampus during an alerting task, and decreased stress and anxiety correlated with right hippocampus activation. Increased flow correlated with activity in all those areas. Diffusion imaging revealed improved white matter microstructure in the right uncinate fasciculus, linking the right hippocampus to frontal areas. An active control group showed no significant changes.