Abstract
Mindfulness meditators often show greater efficiency in resolving response conflicts than non-meditators. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the improved behavioral efficiency are unclear. Here, we investigated frontal theta dynamics—a neural mechanism involved in cognitive control processes—in long-term mindfulness meditators. The dynamics of EEG theta oscillations (4–8 Hz) recorded over the medial frontal cortex (MFC) were examined in terms of their power (MFC theta power) and their functional connectivity with other brain areas (the MFC-centered theta network). Using a flanker-type paradigm, EEG data were obtained from 22 long-term mindfulness meditators and compared to those from 23 matched controls without meditation experience. Meditators showed more efficient cognitive control after conflicts, evidenced by fewer error responses irrespective of response timing. Furthermore, meditators exhibited enhanced conflict modulations of the MFC-centered theta network shortly before the response, in particular for the functional connection between the MFC and the motor cortex. In contrast, MFC theta power was comparable between groups. These results suggest that the higher behavioral efficiency after conflicts in mindfulness meditators could be a function of increased engagement to control the motor system in association with the MFC-centered theta network.
Highlights
IntroductionThe brain is thought to monitor the presence of competing information and resolve the conflict
To optimize behavior, the brain is thought to monitor the presence of competing information and resolve the conflict
We examined whether mindfulness meditators who have shown greater efficiency in a response conflict task (Jo et al, 2016; Figure 2) would display differences in medial frontal cortex (MFC) theta power and/or MFC-centered theta network compared to a control group in trials where they showed increased response accuracy after conflicts
Summary
The brain is thought to monitor the presence of competing information and resolve the conflict. Theta phase synchronization studies provided evidence that the MFC recruits the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the motor cortex, as well as the right parietal cortex, to implement motor responses according to goal-directed values (Cavanagh et al, 2009; van de Vijver et al, 2011; Nigbur et al, 2012; van Driel et al, 2012). Such MFC-centered theta networks were observed in cases where behavioral adjustments were required, suggesting a direct involvement in conflict resolution and the control of the motor system to avoid errors
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