Decrease of Functional Connectivity within the Default Mode Network by a Brief Training of Focused Attention on the Breath in Novices

Abstract

Experienced meditators reduce the activity of the default mode network (DMN), a brain system preferentially active when people are not engaged in specific tasks. However, the neural modulation of the DMN in novices remain largely unexplored. By using electroencephalography, we investigated the DMN functional connectivity in two groups of novices: the meditation group practiced six consecutive days of focused attention on the breath; the control group practiced only on the first and last days. After the brief training, results showed a decrease in the DMN functional connectivity between the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the posterior cingulate cortex in theta and alpha bands during the focused attention condition, in the meditation group compared to the control group. The change in DMN functional connectivity was significantly correlated with the increase in state-level mindfulness scores. These data elucidate DMN modifications already arising at the initial stages of mindfulness meditation training in novices. Highlights An effect of brief meditation training on brain activity in novices was examined by using EEG. A six-day training of focused attention on the breath improved state-level mindfulness scores. Brief meditation training also reduced the functional connectivity within anterior-posterior DMN. The amount of change in DMN functional connectivity was significantly correlated with the subjective score.