Common and distinct lateralised patterns of neural coupling during focused attention, open monitoring and loving kindness meditation

Juliana Yordanova,Peter Malinowski,Valentina Nicolardi,Lucia Calabrese,Vasil Kolev,Luca Simione,Antonino Raffone,Federica Mauro

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-64324-6

Abstract

Meditation has been integrated into different therapeutic interventions. To inform the evidence-based selection of specific meditation types it is crucial to understand the neural processes associated with different meditation practices. Here we explore commonalities and differences in electroencephalographic oscillatory spatial synchronisation patterns across three important meditation types. Highly experienced meditators engaged in focused attention, open monitoring, and loving kindness meditation. Improving on previous research, our approach avoids comparisons between groups that limited previous findings, while ensuring that the meditation states are reliably established. Employing a novel measure of neural coupling – the imaginary part of EEG coherence – the study revealed that all meditation conditions displayed a common connectivity pattern that is characterised by increased connectivity of (a) broadly distributed delta networks, (b) left-hemispheric theta networks with a local integrating posterior focus, and (c) right-hemispheric alpha networks, with a local integrating parieto-occipital focus. Furthermore, each meditation state also expressed specific synchronisation patterns differentially recruiting left- or right-lateralised beta networks. These observations provide evidence that in addition to global patterns, frequency-specific inter-hemispheric asymmetry is one major feature of meditation, and that mental processes specific to each meditation type are also supported by lateralised networks from fast-frequency bands.

Highlights

Meditation has been integrated into different therapeutic interventions
Employing a novel measure of neural coupling – the imaginary part of EEG coherence – the study revealed that all meditation conditions displayed a common connectivity pattern that is characterised by increased connectivity of (a) broadly distributed delta networks, (b) left-hemispheric theta networks with a local integrating posterior focus, and (c) right-hemispheric alpha networks, with a local integrating parieto-occipital focus
While Focused Attention Meditation (FAM) and Open Monitoring Meditation (OMM) are integral components of standard mindfulness-based programmes, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)[22,23], Loving Kindness Meditation (LKM) is included in programmes such as Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT)[24,25] or Cognitive-Based Compassion Training to Children (CBCT)[26,27]

Summary

Introduction

Meditation has been integrated into different therapeutic interventions. To inform the evidencebased selection of specific meditation types it is crucial to understand the neural processes associated with different meditation practices. While the majority of these programmes aim to enhance mindfulness skills, a growing number foster compassion, including self-compassion These programmes include a range of different meditation exercises. Investigating neural activity of these virtuosos during different www.nature.com/scientificreports meditation states, offers a unique opportunity to understand what changes can be expected when people practice different types of meditation. Toward this end, the present study investigated the neural states associated with three prominent and distinct meditation types, often referred to as Focused Attention Meditation (FAM), Open Monitoring Meditation (OMM) and Loving Kindness Meditation (LKM)[17,18,19,20,21]. Vago and Silbersweig[21] and Dahl et al.[18] broadened this conceptual framework by including LKM practices, referred to as “Ethical Enhancement Practices”[21] or as “constructive meditations” that nurture pro-social qualities[18]

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