Neuroplasticity induced bymeditation practices : A systematic review

Abstract: Meditation has in recent decades received attention mainly for its health benefits in western society, not least in the field of neuroscience. Researchers are frequently exploring the link between plasticity in the brain, and the practice of meditation. This systematic review aims to investigate the underlying functional and structural differences in brain mechanisms between long-term meditators and non-meditators, involving different meditation forms. A total of seven peer-reviewed articles were included after being screened for, and meeting inclusion criteria. Final outcomes demonstrated differences between meditators and non-meditators in both functional and structural measures. Some brain regions where changes were identified in meditators included higher-order cognitive areas (i.e., frontal and temporal brain regions). These brain regions are known to be involved in emotional, attentional and memory processing. Reduced connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) is known to be associated with meditation, which was supported in two of the studies. Furthermore, larger gray matter density was found in autonomous control centers (i.e., the brainstem), and larger callosal thickness in meditators. Based on the findings, the practice of long-term meditation appears to be linked with functional and structural changes in various regions of the brain. The findings give insight into the underlying neural correlates and brain plasticity in meditators compared to non-meditators. Nevertheless, future research is necessary for understanding the long-term effects of various meditation forms.