Mindfulness-based training with transcranial direct current stimulation modulates neuronal resource allocation in working memory: A randomized pilot study with a nonequivalent control group

Abstract

Mindfulness-based training (MBT) and transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) methods such as direct current stimulation (tDCS) have demonstrated promise for the augmentation of cognitive abilities. The current study investigated the potential compatibility of concurrent “electrical” MBT and tDCS (or eMBT) by testing its combined effects on behavioral and neurophysiological indices of working memory (WM) and attentional resource allocation. Thirty-four healthy participants were randomly assigned to either a MBT task with tDCS group (eMBT) or an active control training task with sham tDCS (Control) group. Training lasted 4-weeks, with up to twenty MBT sessions and with up to eight of those sessions that were eMBT sessions. Electroencephalography was acquired during varying WM load conditions using the n-back task (1-, 2-, 3-back), along with performance on complex WM span tasks (operation and symmetry span) and fluid intelligence measures (Ravens and Shipley) before and after training. Improved performance was observed only on the 3-back and spatial span tasks for eMBT but not the Control group. During 3-back performance in the eMBT group, an increase in P3 amplitude and theta power at electrode site Pz was also observed, along with a simultaneous decrease in frontal midline P3 amplitude and theta power compared to the Control group. These results are consistent with the neural efficiency hypothesis, where higher cognitive capacity was associated with more distributed brain activity (i.e., increase in parietal and decrease in frontal amplitudes). Future longitudinal studies are called upon to further examine the direct contributions of tDCS on MBT by assessing the differential effects of electrode montage, polarity, current strength and a direct contrast between the eMBT and MBT conditions on performance and neuroimaging outcome data. While preliminary, the current results provided evidence for the potential compatibility of using eMBT to modulate WM capacity through the allocation of attention and its neurophysiological correlates.

A Critical Analysis on Characterizing the Meditation Experience Through the Electroencephalogram

“…In addition to the monitoring of central nervous systems physiology, we also recall some attempts to directly influence meditation neural correlates and enhance behavioral results. For example, Hunter et al ( 2018 ) used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) together with Mindfulness (CDM-FA/OM) as a way to improve working memory, and Luft et al ( 2019 ) used transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to improve visual imagery during stabilizing (CDM-FA) and analytical meditations (NDM).…”

Mindfulness‐Based Relapse Prevention and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Reduce Heavy Drinking: A Double‐Blind Sham‐Controlled Randomized Trial

“…Both MBRP and tDCS have independently shown benefits for treating AUD. Further, there is recent evidence from small pilot studies that tDCS of the frontal cortex can enhance the effects of mindfulness training, potentially by improving working memory (Hunter et al., ), increasing positive affective experience (Robinson et al., ), or increasing awareness (Badran et al., ). The combination of MBRP and tDCS may provide synergistic benefits to reducing symptoms of AUD greater than each can provide alone.…”

Transcranial DC Stimulation in Patients with Migraine: a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

“…The administration of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in combination with an intervention based on mindfulness has recently been reported to improve cognitive and well-being parameters [10][11][12].…”