Meta-analytic evidence that mindfulness training alters resting state default mode network connectivity

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Mindfulness training (MT) is increasingly studied for its potential to alter brain function.
• Neurobiological models suggest MT may impact brain network connectivity.
• Resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) is a key metric for assessing intrinsic brain network interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of MT on brain network connectivity using rsFC.
• To test the hypothesis that MT increases cross-network connectivity between the Default Mode Network (DMN), Salience Network (SN), and Frontoparietal Control Network (FPCN).
• To explore the role of these connectivity changes in internally-oriented attentional control.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental and quasi-experimental studies on MT.
• Included studies measured rsFC as an outcome.
• Voxel-based meta-analysis was performed on data from 12 studies (226 MT participants, 204 controls).

Main Results:

• Significantly greater rsFC was found between the left middle cingulate (SN) and the posterior cingulate cortex (DMN) in the MT group compared to controls.
• This finding supports the hypothesis of increased internetwork connectivity.
• Publication bias was assessed and found to be nonsignificant.

Conclusions:

• MT appears to target and enhance internetwork connectivity, particularly between the SN and DMN.
• These connectivity changes are implicated in the flexible control of internally-oriented attention.
• The findings contribute to neurobiological models of mindfulness and attention.