Cited by 187Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsNeural dynamics and brain functionMind wandering and attention

Theta activity and meditative states: spectral changes during concentrative meditation

Baijal, Shruti, Srinivasan, Narayanan·2010·Cognitive Processing

Abstract

Brain oscillatory activity is associated with different cognitive processes and plays a critical role in meditation. In this study, we investigated the temporal dynamics of oscillatory changes during Sahaj Samadhi meditation (a concentrative form of meditation that is part of Sudarshan Kriya yoga). EEG was recorded during Sudarshan Kriya yoga meditation for meditators and relaxation for controls. Spectral and coherence analysis was performed for the whole duration as well as specific blocks extracted from the initial, middle, and end portions of Sahaj Samadhi meditation or relaxation. The generation of distinct meditative states of consciousness was marked by distinct changes in spectral powers especially enhanced theta band activity during deep meditation in the frontal areas. Meditators also exhibited increased theta coherence compared to controls. The emergence of the slow frequency waves in the attention-related frontal regions provides strong support to the existing claims of frontal theta in producing meditative states along with trait effects in attentional processing. Interestingly, increased frontal theta activity was accompanied reduced activity (deactivation) in parietal-occipital areas signifying reduction in processing associated with self, space and, time.

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  • Localized frontal midline theta increases have been more consistently obtained in meditators, especially during focused attention practices, indicative of concentrated cognitive engagement.

    “Instead, localized frontal midline theta increases have been more consistently obtained in meditators,145–147 especially during FA practices, indicative of the concentrated cognitive engagement indexed by frontal midline theta.148,149”

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Authors
Baijal, S., & Srinivasan, N.
Affiliations
University of Allahabad (IN)
Corresponding author
Srinivasan, Narayanan
Venue
Cognitive Processing
Published
2009-07-22
Volume
11
Issue
1
Pages
31-38
ISSN
  • 1612-4782 (ISSN-L)
  • 1612-4790
OpenAlex
W1966494524
Cited by
187
References
61
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 13 · 2014: 21 · 2013: 12 · 2012: 8
FWCI
8.49
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Cognitive Processing (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Mind wandering and attention
Keywords
theta oscillations, concentrative meditation, Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, meditative states, frontal theta activity, theta coherence, EEG spectral power, attention, relaxation, neural oscillations
MeSH terms
Adult, Analysis of Variance, Attention, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Spectrum Analysis, Theta Rhythm, Negotiating, Young Adult

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