Changes in functional magnetic resonance imaging with

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The neural substrates of

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: Pilot data of a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study is presented to observe and understand the selective activations of designated brain regions during meditation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four trained healthy Patanjali Yoga practitioners in their mid-60s participated in this prototype interventional study. A three-part 1-min block design alternating between meditation (test) and relaxation (control) phase with an imaginary visual fixation and auditory stimulation was used.

RESULT AND OBSERVATION: The fMRI images revealed strong activation in the right prefrontal regions during the visual and auditory fixation meditation phases compared to no activations during the relaxation phase. A comparison between the visual and auditory fixations revealed shifts within the prefrontal and temporal regions. In addition, activation in occipital and temporal regions was observed during the meditation phase. Occipital lobe activation was more apparent during visual meditation phase.

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that specific fMRI brain activations are observed during different forms of

Volume

38

Issue

3-4

First Page

108

Last Page

112

ISSN

0974-8520

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

30254388

Department(s)

Department of Medicine

Document Type

Article

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