title: Mindfulness-induced changes in gamma band activity - implications for the default mode network, self-reference and attention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is a growing scientific interest in mindfulness meditation (MM), yet its underlying neurophysiological mechanism is still uncertain. We investigated whether MM affects self-referential processing, associated with default mode network (DMN), either as short (state) - or long-term (trait) effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three levels of MM expertise were compared with controls (n=12 each) by electroencephalography (EEG).
  
  
  RESULTS
  DMN deactivation was identified during the transition from resting state to a time production task, as lower gamma (25-45 Hz) power over frontal and midline regions. MM practitioners exhibited a trait lower frontal gamma activity, related to narrative self-reference and DMN activity, as well as producing longer durations, these being negatively correlated with frontal gamma activity. Additionally, we found state increases in posterior gamma power, suggesting increased attention and sensory awareness. MM proficiency did not affect the results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gamma power over frontal midline areas reflects DMN activity. MM practitioners exhibit lower trait frontal gamma activity, as well as a state and trait increases in posterior gamma power, irrespective of practice proficiency.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  First, the DMN can be studied non-invasively by EEG. Second, MM induces from the early stages of practice neuroplasticity in self-referential and attentional networks.
authors.affiliation: The Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Israel. avivasan@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Aviva
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Berkovich-Ohana
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Glicksohn
authors.forename: Abraham
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goldstein
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D001364:Awareness / Q000502:physiology; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D019122:Meditation / Q000523:psychology*; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012649:Self Concept; D013998:Time Perception / Q000502:physiology