Neuroplasticity within and between Functional Brain Networks in Mental Training Based on Long-Term Meditation.
Brain sciences August 18, 2021 Roberto Guidotti, Cosimo Del Gratta, Mauro Gianni Perrucci et al. 27 citations
Long-term meditation practice reshapes functional connectivity patterns in large-scale brain networks, and the specific patterns depend on the type of meditation used. Using fMRI and multivariate pattern analysis, researchers found that connectivity patterns in key brain networks could predict both a meditator's expertise and age. Expertise-related patterns differed between Focused Attention (FA) and Open Monitoring (OM) meditation: FA involved networks for attention, while OM involved networks for cognitive control and emotion regulation. Age-related patterns were unaffected by meditation style. The findings indicate that intensive mental training induces neuroplastic changes in brain network connectivity that are specific to the form of meditation practiced.