Load-Dependent Modulation of Cognitive Control Following OM Meditation: Time-Resolved EEG Evidence from the N2
Gyaneshwar Singh1, M Ummesalma1, Suhas Vinchurkar2
1Department of Statistics and Data Science, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India.
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
|August 13, 2026
Summary
One month of OM meditation improved reaction times in a visual working memory task, particularly at lower cognitive loads. Electrophysiology revealed that meditation selectively modulated N2 brain activity related to cognitive control, supporting adaptive control models.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroscience of Meditation
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Working memory (WM) relies on adaptable cognitive control processes.
- Meditation is linked to improved attention, but its impact on WM's neural dynamics is unclear.
- Understanding meditation's effects on cognitive control is crucial for mental wellness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how one month of OM meditation affects behavioral performance and electrophysiological markers of cognitive control during a visual working memory task.
- To examine load-dependent neural dynamics in response to meditation training.
- To explore the impact of meditation on event-related potentials (ERPs) during varying working memory loads.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-four healthy adult males were randomized into an OM meditation group (n=18) or a control group (n=16).
- Participants performed a visual n-back task (0-back, 1-back, 2-back) while electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded.
- Behavioral data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models; ERPs (P1, N1, N2, P3, late slow wave) were analyzed using component-based and time-resolved methods.
Main Results:
- The meditation group showed greater pre-post improvements in reaction time for 0-back and 1-back conditions, but not 2-back.
- A significant Group × Time × Load interaction was found for the N2 component, mainly in the 1-back condition.
- Time-resolved analysis revealed localized N2 modulation under moderate working memory load, with no significant effects on other ERPs.
Conclusions:
- OM meditation selectively modulates monitoring-related cognitive control processes in a demand-dependent manner.
- The findings support adaptive models of cognitive control, highlighting meditation's role in enhancing these processes.
- Time-resolved electrophysiological approaches are valuable for detecting transient neural changes induced by meditation training.
