Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science
October 17, 2024
Nicco Reggente, Christian Kothe, Tracy Brandmeyer et al.
15 citations
Decoding self-reported meditative depth from EEG recordings is feasible. Expert Vipassana meditators (34 people) reported their depth on a 1–5 scale during two sessions, using either traditional probing or a novel spontaneous emergence method. Machine learning models fused spatial, spectral, and connectivity information from theta, alpha, and gamma bands to predict depth across unseen sessions. The spontaneous emergence method produced more frequent reports and correlated better with post-session outcomes than probing. No single EEG channel or default mode network region captured the complex neural dynamics; multivariate patterns were necessary. The findings suggest potential improvements for neurofeedback in meditation.
January 31, 2024
Joshua Cain, Tracy Brandmeyer, Ninette Simonian et al.
9 citations
preprint
Focused ultrasound stimulation of the caudate nucleus significantly improves self-reported meditative depth and mood in experienced vipassana meditators, and is accompanied by reduced heart rate and increased heart rate variability. These physiological changes strongly correlate with reported depth, suggesting a mechanistic link between reduced arousal and successful meditation. Stimulation of the posterior cingulate cortex or insula did not produce similar effects. The findings indicate that targeted neuromodulation may help lower the barrier to consistent meditation practice for novice or intermediate meditators.
Scientific reports
October 26, 2024
Micah Alan Johnson, Ninette Simonian, Nicco Reggente
6 citations
A novel technique of audiovisual stimulation (AVS) substantially improves self-reported mood by reducing anxiety and depression and enhancing performance on mood-sensitive cognitive tasks. In a randomized, controlled, double-blind experiment with 262 participants, mood benefits from AVS closely aligned with those from breath-focused meditation. A brief AVS exposure of about five minutes may be sufficient or even optimal for improving mood to a comparable or greater degree than meditation sessions of 11 to 22 minutes. Most AVS effects were similar whether binaural beats were present or not and regardless of duration. AVS may offer a more accessible alternative to meditation.
January 31, 2024
Nicco Reggente, Christian Kothe, Tracy Brandmeyer et al.
4 citations
preprint
Meditation depth can be decoded from brain activity measured by EEG in expert Vipassana meditators. A novel 'spontaneous emergence' method, where meditators report their depth on a 1-5 scale only when they feel a shift, outperformed traditional periodic probing and correlated more strongly with post-session outcomes. A new machine learning approach that fuses spatial, spectral, and connectivity information achieved the best accuracy in predicting self-reported depth across separate sessions. Conventional EEG channel-level methods and default mode network regions were insufficient to capture the complex neural dynamics. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of decoding personally defined meditative depth and suggest that 'spontaneous emergence' is a less obtrusive, ecologically valid sampling method.
bioRxiv Preprint Server
October 25, 2023
Joel Frohlich, Ninette Simonian, Grant Hanada et al.
preprint
Stroboscopic or flicker stimulation, which induces geometric hallucinations through closed eyelids, can entrain neural activity at specific frequencies. In a large sample of over 80 participants per condition, EEG recordings showed that multimodal stimulation combining two visual strobe frequencies with binaural beats produced powerful neural entrainment at the slower strobe frequency, resembling effects of conventional non-invasive brain stimulation. This was compared to sham stimulation with very low strobe frequencies and no binaural beats, and to a control group practicing eyes-closed meditation. The findings suggest stroboscopic stimulation warrants further development as a potential therapeutic technique for psychiatric disorders.