Enhancing attention network and neural efficiency through brief mindfulness meditation

The effects of brief mindfulness meditation (BMM) on attention networks remain unclear. Using Event-Related Potentials (ERPs), this study investigated how 18 days of Anapanasati meditation (JW2016 mental exercises, 15 min/day) modulates attentional functions in healthy adults. Behaviorally, BMM produced a selective enhancement of the executive control network, evidenced by significantly faster overall reaction times(mean ~631 → ~599 ms) and a robust reduction in conflict-related processing costs, without compromising task accuracy.

Concurrent EEG analyses revealed that BMM reorganized temporal processing dynamics and promoted greater neural efficiency. Specifically, the intervention induced a strategic expansion of the P3N1 latency interval by 25.52 ms (p