Mindfulness-of-breathing exercise modulates EEG alpha activity during cognitive performance
Psychophysiology
Short Title:
Psychophysiology
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
2016//09/
Pages:
1366 - 1376
Sources ID:
83816
Collection:
Contemplative Practices and Breath Research
Visibility:
Public (group default)
Abstract:
(Show)
The present study investigated whether engaging in a mindful breathing exercise would affect EEG oscillatory activity associated with self-monitoring processes, based on the notion that mindfulness enhances attentional awareness. Participants were assigned to either an audio exercise in mindful breathing or an audio control condition, and then completed a Stroop task while EEG was recorded. The primary EEG measure of interest was error-related alpha suppression (ERAS), an index of self-monitoring in which alpha power is reduced, suggesting mental engagement, following errors compared to correct responses. Participants in the mindful-breathing condition showed increased alpha power during the listening exercise and enhanced ERAS during the subsequent Stroop task. These results indicate enhanced error-monitoring among those in the mindful-breathing group.