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Cited by 31Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsHeart Rate Variability and Autonomic ControlBiofield Effects and Biophysics

Electrophysiological effects of mindfulness meditation in a concentration test

Morais, Pedro, Quaresma, Claúdia, Vigário, Ricardo, Quintão, Carla·2021·Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing
DOI 10.1007/s11517-021-02332-y
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Abstract

In this paper, we evaluate the effects of mindfulness meditation training in electrophysiological signals, recorded during a concentration task. Longitudinal experiments have been limited to the analysis of psychological scores through depression, anxiety, and stress state (DASS) surveys. Here, we present a longitudinal study, confronting DASS survey data with electrocardiography (ECG), electroencephalography (EEG), and electrodermal activity (EDA) signals. Twenty-five university student volunteers (mean age = 26, SD = 7, 9 male) attended a 25-h mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) course, over a period of 8 weeks. There were four evaluation periods: pre/peri/post-course and a fourth follow-up, after 2 months. All three recorded biosignals presented congruent results, in line with the expected benefits of regular meditation practice. In average, EDA activity decreased throughout the course, -64.5%, whereas the mean heart rate displayed a small reduction, -5.8%, possibly as a result of an increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity. Prefrontal (AF3) cortical alpha activity, often associated with calm conditions, saw a very significant increase, 148.1%. Also, the number of stressed and anxious subjects showed a significant decrease, -92.9% and -85.7%, respectively. Easy to practice and within everyone's reach, this mindfulness meditation can be used proactively to prevent or enhance better quality of life. 25 volunteers attended a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course in 4 evaluation periods: Pre/Peri/Post-course and a fourth follow-up after two months. A Depression, Anxiety and Stress State (DASS) survey is completed in each period. Electrodermal Activity (EDA), Electrocardiography (ECG) and Electroencephalography (EEG) are also recorded and processed. By integrating self-reported surveys and electrophysiological recordings there is strong evidence of evolution in wellbeing. Mindfulness meditation can be used proactively to prevent or enhance better quality of life.

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  • None of neuroscientific studies have explored whether and how brief mindfulness training influences certain psychological features especially social support in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “However, none of neuroscientific studies have explored whether and how brief mindfulness training influences certain psychological features especially social support in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

    From Changes in Mental Health and EEG Biomarkers of Undergraduates Under Different Patterns of Mindfulness (2024) · cites this paper as Morais et al. 2021

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Authors
Morais, P., Quaresma, C., Vigário, R., & Quintão, C.
Affiliations
University of Lisbon (PT)
Corresponding author
Morais, Pedro
ORCID
Venue
Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2021-03-17
Volume
59
Issue
4
Pages
759-773
ISSN
  • 0140-0118 (ISSN-L)
  • 1741-0444
DOI
10.1007/s11517-021-02332-y
OpenAlex
W3137309034
Cited by
31
References
56
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 4
FWCI
0.63
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • LIBPhys - Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics (UIDB/04559/2020)
  • LIBPhys - Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics) (UIDP/04559/2020)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Biofield Effects and Biophysics
Keywords
mindfulness meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, electrodermal activity, heart rate, EEG alpha activity, prefrontal cortex, parasympathetic nervous system, depression, anxiety, stress, well-being, quality of life, university students
MeSH terms
Adult, Humans, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Quality of Life, Stress, Psychological, Meditation, Mindfulness

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