Paced breathing during mindfulness meditation produced a larger increase in theta amplitude, a smaller decrease in alpha amplitude, and increased skin conductance compared to spontaneous breathing.
RCT (n=80)
Randomized
No
Does intentional slow breathing during mindfulness meditation affect neural oscillations and sympathetic arousal compared to spontaneous breathing?
Intentional slow breathing during mindfulness meditation differentially affects neural oscillations and sympathetic arousal compared to spontaneous breathing, indicating that breath control shapes the psychophysiological effects of meditation.
Effect estimate: ηp2 0.08
p-value: p=0.012
Abstract Objectives Many meditation practices use the breath as an attentional anchor, and this may naturally slow respiration. However, it remains unclear whether intentionally slowing the breath during mindfulness meditation produces effects beyond those of spontaneous breathing. This study examined the effects of naturally occurring versus intentional slow breathing during mindfulness meditation on neural oscillations and sympathetic arousal. Method In a single experimental session, participants were randomly assigned to one of two mindfulness meditation conditions: spontaneous breathing ( n = 40; M age = 20.2; 32 females) or paced breathing ( n = 40; M age = 19.8; 30 females). Electroencephalography (EEG) and skin conductance level (SCL) were recorded before , during , and after mindfulness meditation. Global amplitudes were assessed across the five traditional EEG frequency bands. Results Respiratory rate decreased more from before to during in paced breathing than in spontaneous breathing. Compared with spontaneous breathing, paced breathing resulted in a larger increase in theta (4–7.5 Hz) amplitude and a smaller decrease in alpha (8–13 Hz) amplitude from before to during . Additionally, beta (13.5–30 Hz) amplitude and SCL increased from befor e to during in paced breathing but decreased in spontaneous breathing. Conclusions Intentional slow breathing during mindfulness meditation differentially affects neural oscillations and sympathetic arousal, consistent with an effect of breath pacing on attentional and arousal processes. These findings suggest that breath control may shape the psychophysiological effects of mindfulness meditation, with potential implications for well-being and for the treatment of psychological disorders. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.
Duda et al. (Tue,) conducted a rct in Healthy adults (n=80). Paced breathing during mindfulness meditation vs. Spontaneous breathing during mindfulness meditation was evaluated on Change in global theta amplitude from before to during meditation (ηp2 0.08, p=0.012). Paced breathing during mindfulness meditation produced a larger increase in theta amplitude, a smaller decrease in alpha amplitude, and increased skin conductance compared to spontaneous breathing.