Large-Scale Functional Brain Network Reorganization during Taoist Meditation
Journal
Brain Connectivity
Journal Volume
6
Journal Issue
1
Pages
9 - 24
Date Issued
2016
Author(s)
Chia-Wei Li
Petra E Vértes
Changwei Wesley Wu
Sophie Achard
Chao-Hsien Hsieh
Chien-Hui Liou
E.T. Bullmore
Abstract
Meditation induces a distinct and reversible mental state that provides insights into brain correlates of consciousness. We explored brain network changes related to meditation by graph theoretical analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data. Eighteen Taoist meditators with varying levels of expertise were scanned using a within-subjects counterbalanced design during resting and meditation states. State-related differences in network topology were measured globally and at the level of individual nodes and edges. Although measures of global network topology, such as small-worldness, were unchanged, meditation was characterized by an extensive and expertise-dependent reorganization of the hubs (highly connected nodes) and edges (functional connections). Areas of sensory cortex, especially the bilateral primary visual and auditory cortices, and the bilateral temporopolar areas, which had the highest degree (or connectivity) during the resting state, showed the biggest decrease during meditation. Conversely, bilateral thalamus and components of the default mode network, mainly the bilateral precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex, had low degree in the resting state but increased degree during meditation. Additionally, these changes in nodal degree were accompanied by reorganization of anatomical orientation of the edges. During meditation, long-distance longitudinal (antero-posterior) edges increased proportionally, whereas orthogonal long-distance transverse (right-left) edges connecting bilaterally homologous cortices decreased. Our findings suggest that transient changes in consciousness associated with meditation introduce convergent changes in the topological and spatial properties of brain functional networks, and the anatomical pattern of integration might be as important as the global level of integration when considering the network basis for human consciousness. © Copyright 2016, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2016.
Subjects
brain networks; consciousness; fMRI; functional connectivity; meditation; network hubs; resting state
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; Article; auditory cortex; brain function; clinical article; consciousness; default mode network; female; human; male; meditation; middle aged; neurotransmission; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; orientation; posterior cingulate; priority journal; resting state network; sensory cortex; Taoist; thalamus; theoretical model; visual cortex; aged; brain; brain mapping; cingulate gyrus; meditation; nerve cell network; nerve tract; physiology; procedures; psychology; rest; Adult; Aged; Brain; Brain Mapping; Consciousness; Female; Gyrus Cinguli; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Meditation; Middle Aged; Nerve Net; Neural Pathways; Rest
Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert Inc.
Type
journal article