The influence of app-based mindfulness training on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during an attentional control task: A fNIRS driven pilot study

Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been shown to be effective in treating psychological disturbances such as depression and anxiety. However the neural mechanisms underpinning MBIs, remain unclear. While studies employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography have advanced our understanding of neural correlates influenced by mindfulness, these modalities have notable limitations that restrict their applicability across various demographics. This study explored the feasibility of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as a viable alternative for assessing neurocognitive changes induced by MBIs. To do this, fNIRS data was collected from 19 university students during a modified flanker task, before and after a week-long, app-based mindfulness intervention. Post intervention, participants improved their ability to inhibit pre-potent responses to stimuli after a rule change. While no significant pre-post changes in cortical activation of the DLPFC were observed, participants who performed better (i.e., better response accuracy) required less modulation from the DLPFC. These results continue to establish the use of fNIRS as an effective tool for understanding neurocognitive underpinnings of mindfulness. As a less invasive, cost-efficient modality, fNIRS shows promise in expanding neuroscientific investigation into understudied samples that may not be well suited for traditional methods such as fMRI. Ultimately, this could lead to more effective mindfulness interventions that have already shown promise in treating a range of physical and psychological disorders.