Characterization of brain-brain and brain-body interactions in the context of stress regulation and meditation: New perspectives for the development of biofeedback protocols assisting meditative practice

From 01-10-2021 to 30-09-2025

Description

Interactions among brain oscillations have been extensively studied and are thought to underlie crosstalk between distinct neural processes. Recent accounts suggest that not only the rhythms of the brain interact through cross-frequency coupling, but that also the frequencies of bodily oscillations (e.g. heart and respiratory rhythms) are impacted by and aligned with oscillations at the level of the brain. The current project will adopt a systemic physiology perspective to characterize cross-frequency dynamics between interacting brain-brain and brain-body rhythms (WP 1). The functional relevance of dynamic interactions among brain and bodily subsystems will be explored from a basic science perspective and implemented in the context of stress regulation and meditation in experienced meditators (WP 2). Following the insights derived from the systemic physiological organization during meditation practices, novel neuro-biofeedback protocols will be developed (WP 3), either as stand-alone intervention or for complementing meditation (mindfulness) training programs, ultimately aiming at improving self-regulation of stress and emotional reactivity.

Team

• Maarten De Vos, Promoter

Financing

Funding: KU Leuven - Internal Funding KU Leuven

Program/Grant Type: IDN - Interdisciplinary Networks