Effective Deepening of Meditative-States with Focused Ultrasound Stimulation and its Moderation by Prior-Experience
Joshua Cain, Ninette Simonian, Alexander Bystritsky, Jezabel May, Nicco Reggente
2024 · 10.31234/osf.io/y9b7q
Abstract
This study explores the intersection of meditation and neurostimulation, focusing on Focused Ultrasound Stimulation (FUS) as a potential aid in achieving meditative states. We compared the effects of FUS to sham stimulation in experienced and novice meditators, targeting three specific brain regions: the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), the caudate nucleus (CN), and the insular cortex (Iav). Our investigation is particularly relevant given the growing evidence of meditation's positive impact on mental health and well-being, and the challenges many face in maintaining regular meditative practice. The chosen targets are backed by empirical and theoretical support, reflecting their roles in meditative states and related cognitive functions. This study not only contributes to understanding the neural mechanisms of meditation but also explores the potential of FUS in enhancing meditative practices, especially for those who struggle to achieve these states independently.
Abstract via europepmc.
Exposures
Exposure 1: posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)
Target: posterior cingulate cortex — “posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)”
Device: BrainSonix · Brainsonix ✓
| Waveform | pulsed | |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamental frequency (kHz) | not reported | ⚑ |
| Pulse duration (ms) | not reported | |
| Pulse repetition frequency (Hz) | not reported | |
| Duty cycle (%) | not reported | |
| Sonication duration (s) | 10 | ✓✓✓⚑ |
| Free-field pressure (kPa) | not reported | |
|---|---|---|
| Free-field Isppa (W/cm²) | not reported | |
| Free-field Ispta (W/cm²) | not reported | |
| In-situ estimate | simulation | |
| In-situ pressure (kPa) | not reported | |
| In-situ Isppa (W/cm²) | not reported | |
| In-situ Ispta (W/cm²) | not reported |
12 minutes of FUS beginning about minute 12 of a 1-hour Vipassana meditation; the figure legend describes 10-second on/off blocks. PCC received 12 minutes to one location; bilateral targets (CN, ventral anterior insula) received 6 minutes to each hemisphere sequentially. Sham-FUS in the fourth session.
Exposure 2: Caudate nucleus (CN; head; bilateral)
Target: caudate nucleus — “Caudate nucleus (CN; head; bilateral)”
Device: BrainSonix · Brainsonix ✓
| Waveform | pulsed | |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamental frequency (kHz) | not reported | |
| Pulse duration (ms) | not reported | |
| Pulse repetition frequency (Hz) | not reported | |
| Duty cycle (%) | not reported | |
| Sonication duration (s) | 10 | ✓✓✓ |
| Free-field pressure (kPa) | not reported | |
|---|---|---|
| Free-field Isppa (W/cm²) | not reported | |
| Free-field Ispta (W/cm²) | not reported | |
| In-situ estimate | simulation | |
| In-situ pressure (kPa) | not reported | |
| In-situ Isppa (W/cm²) | not reported | |
| In-situ Ispta (W/cm²) | not reported |
12 minutes of FUS beginning about minute 12 of a 1-hour Vipassana meditation; the figure legend describes 10-second on/off blocks. PCC received 12 minutes to one location; bilateral targets (CN, ventral anterior insula) received 6 minutes to each hemisphere sequentially. Sham-FUS in the fourth session.
Exposure 3: Ventral anterior insula
Target: anterior insula — “Ventral anterior insula”
Device: BrainSonix · Brainsonix ✓
| Waveform | pulsed | |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamental frequency (kHz) | not reported | |
| Pulse duration (ms) | not reported | |
| Pulse repetition frequency (Hz) | not reported | |
| Duty cycle (%) | not reported | |
| Sonication duration (s) | 10 | ✓✓✓ |
| Free-field pressure (kPa) | not reported | |
|---|---|---|
| Free-field Isppa (W/cm²) | not reported | |
| Free-field Ispta (W/cm²) | not reported | |
| In-situ estimate | simulation | |
| In-situ pressure (kPa) | not reported | |
| In-situ Isppa (W/cm²) | not reported | |
| In-situ Ispta (W/cm²) | not reported |
12 minutes of FUS beginning about minute 12 of a 1-hour Vipassana meditation; the figure legend describes 10-second on/off blocks. PCC received 12 minutes to one location; bilateral targets (CN, ventral anterior insula) received 6 minutes to each hemisphere sequentially. Sham-FUS in the fourth session.
Flags from extraction
exposures[0].timing.sonication_duration_s— 10 s is read from a figure legend describing on/off blocks ('number not accurate'); duty cycle, PRF and pulse duration are not stated in the text.exposures[0].fundamental_frequency_khz— Frequency and all pressure/intensity values are absent from this short report (they are said to be in the supplement or a companion preprint).n_sessions_per_subject— Four near-identical meditation/FUS sessions (Sessions 2-5) after an MRI session 1; recorded as 4 FUS sessions.n_subjects— Group sizes 12 expert and 12 novice; total never stated, so given as list.exposures[0].in_situ— Skull simulations were run (attenuation percentages and refraction in mm given) but no in-situ pressure or intensity value is stated in the text.sham_type— Sham-FUS is used but its mechanism is not described.exposures[0].timing.waveform— Periodic 10 s on/off gating inferred from a figure legend; marked pulsed.
Notes: Companion/related to 2024 Cain preprint (first investigation in experienced practitioners); this report presents the expert and novice cohorts.