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Large-Scale Functional Brain Network Reorganization During Taoist Meditation
Tun Jao1,2, Chia-Wei Li3, Petra E Vértes1
11 Brain Mapping Unit and Behavioural and Clinical Neurosciences Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom .
Brain Connectivity
|July 14, 2015
Summary
Meditation alters brain networks, decreasing connectivity in sensory areas and increasing it in the thalamus and default mode network. These brain changes are expertise-dependent and linked to altered consciousness.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Meditation is a distinct mental state offering insights into consciousness.
- Brain network analysis provides a framework for understanding cognitive states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore brain network changes during meditation using graph theory.
- To investigate the relationship between meditation expertise and network reorganization.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used.
- Graph theoretical analysis was applied to resting and meditation states.
- Network topology was examined globally and at nodal/edge levels.
Main Results:
- Global network topology remained largely unchanged.
- Meditation induced expertise-dependent reorganization of brain network hubs and connections.
- Sensory cortex connectivity decreased, while thalamus and default mode network connectivity increased.
- Longitudinal connections increased, and transverse connections decreased during meditation.
Conclusions:
- Meditation causes significant, reversible changes in brain functional network topology and spatial properties.
- These network shifts are associated with altered states of consciousness.
- The anatomical pattern of brain network integration is crucial for understanding consciousness.
