Focused attention meditation changes the boundary and configuration of functional networks in the brain

Kajimura, S., Masuda, N., Lau, J. K. L. and Murayama, K. (2020) Focused attention meditation changes the boundary and configuration of functional networks in the brain. Scientific Reports, 10. 18426. ISSN 2045-2322 doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-75396-9

Abstract/Summary

Research has shown that focused attention meditation not only improves our cognitive and motivational functioning (e.g., attention, mental health), it influences the way our brain networks [e.g., default mode network (DMN), fronto-parietal network (FPN), and sensory-motor network (SMN)] function and operate. However, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the possibility that meditation alters the architecture (composition) of these functional brain networks. Here, using a single-case experimental design with intensive longitudinal data, we examined the effect of mediation practice on intra-individual changes in the composition of whole-brain networks. The results showed that meditation (1) changed the community size (with a number of regions in the FPN being merged into the DMN after meditation) and (2) led to instability in the community allegiance of the regions in the FPN. These results suggest that, in addition to altering specific functional connectivity, meditation leads to reconfiguration of whole-brain network architecture. The reconfiguration of community architecture in the brain provides fruitful information about the neural mechanisms of meditation.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/93753
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Interdisciplinary Research Centres (IDRCs) > Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN) Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Psychology Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Neuroscience
Publisher	Nature Publishing Group
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item