Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Combining Behavior and EEG to Study the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Episodic Memory
Published on: May 11, 2020
Transcendental Meditation as a Modulator of Cognitive and Psychological Well-Being
Vandana Daulatabad1, Prafull K2, Estelle H3
1Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, Hyderabad Telangana, India.
Abstract:
Background: Meditation is the practice of focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to reach a calm, stable state. Meditation is been practised since ancient past in various forms. Transcendental meditation (TM) is widely practiced for its potential benefits on mental and physical well-being using the mantra "OM" as an object of awareness. Despite its popularity in the Global North, evidence of its impact on cognitive and psychological health remains limited in the Indian context. Aim: To evaluate the effects of TM practice on cognitive performance by audiovisual reaction time and psychological parameters. Methods: This single-group quasi-experimental study was conducted after Institutional Ethics Committee approval. Thirty-four volunteers (13 males and 21 females aged 25-50 years) underwent a 12-week TM intervention from a certified instructor. Audiovisual reaction time was measured using a Psychotronics digital reaction time apparatus and ADI Power Lab 8. The Profile of Mood States (POMS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Standardized Assessment of Personality Abbreviated Scale (SAPAS) were used for psychological assessment. Resilience was measured using the Nicholson McBride Resilience Questionnaire (NMRQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29. Results: Audiovisual reaction time was significantly reduced as a result of TM for cognitive tasks suggesting enhanced cognitive processing speed. Highly significant improvements were also observed in mood scores, sleep quality, resilience levels after the TM intervention (p<0.0001). Personality traits showed an increase in positive scores toward emotional stability. Conclusion: Transcendental meditation improves cognitive performance and psychological well-being, supporting its potential as a complementary approach for mental health promotion and stress reduction. It can also be utilized for enhancing focus and attention, in activities demanding rapid and accurate responses, such as sports.
More Related Videos
08:08Using Wavelet Entropy to Demonstrate how Mindfulness Practice Increases Coordination between Irregular Cerebral and Cardiac Activities
Published on: May 10, 2017
10:45A Community-based Stress Management Program: Using Wearable Devices to Assess Whole Body Physiological Responses in Non-laboratory Settings
Published on: January 22, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Altered States of Awareness
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
The Influence of Affect on Cognition
The Influence of Cognition on Affect
Cognitive Therapy
Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
Neuroticism and...