Feasibility and Effects of Mindfulness Meditation Training With a Brain-Sensing Device on Executive Functions and Brain Activity Correlates in Children

• In Event: Metacognition, Monitoring, and Mindfulness: Insights From Educational Neuroscience

Abstract

Previous studies suggest that neurofeedback-assisted mindfulness may render positive effects on self-regulation, however, the feasibility and effect of such training have not yet been investigated with children.
Thirty-one 9-10 years old children were randomly assigned to either an 8-session neurofeedback-assisted mindfulness training or a passive control group.
Neurofeedback-assisted mindfulness was feasible with children, who were engaged during the sessions in school. Mindfulness resulted in improved inhibition and more alpha and theta brain activity from pre- to post-test relative to the control group. Within-group measurement of calm and focused brain states during the mindfulness sessions revealed a significant linear increase. This study suggests that brain-sensing devices might have the potentials to supplement interventions.

Authors

• Boglarka Vekety, Eötvös Loránd University

• Alexander Logemann, Eötvös Loránd University

• Zsofia Takacs, Eötvös Loránd University