How does training in mindfulness meditation effect the brain structure and cognition?

A randomised controlled trial using MRI scans and cognitive testing to determine the effect of meditation on brain structure and cognition

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN68095597

Enrollment

Registered

2011-05-19

Start date

2010-12-03

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2015-01-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Meditation practice Not Applicable

Interventions

1. We studied normal subjects with no prior meditation, or related training undergoing intensive meditation training based on a set of breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques 2. We included 60

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Either sex, aged 18-40 years, ethnic Danes 2. Right handed 3. Health subjects with no history of neurological disorders, psychological and/or psychiatric, cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, brain injury, cancer, addiction to drugs/alcohol, severe impediment to limb movement, hearing and vision 4. Normal MRI brain scan

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Frequent diving, high altitude climbing or flying or other activities related to the respiratory system 2. Recent biofeedback training, hypnosis and acupuncture (due to the possible modulating of the vagal output)

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Pre-frontal (IFG) and insular cortex density measured by MRI at baseline and 6 weeks	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Measured at baseline and 6 weeks: 1. Default-mode network connectivity 2. Stop accuracy and error awareness 3. Emotional stroop	—

Countries

Denmark

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026