Mindfulness-Based Training Attenuates Insula Response to an Aversive Interoceptive Challenge
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies of Mindfulness Training (MT) show neural modulation of brain areas involved in attentional control, emotional regulation, and interoception. Specifically, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insula has been consistently activated during mindfulness meditation. Military personnel are at increased risk for cognitive, emotional, and physiological compromise that is often associated with prolonged exposure to stressful environments. This study aimed to investigate whether MT modulates the brains response to interoceptive distress in marines preparing for combat deployment to Afghanistan. Infantry marines scheduled to undergo pre-deployment training and deployment, were examined in this experiment, and were divided into two groups: individuals who received training as usual (control) and individuals who received an additional 20-hour Mindfulness-Based Mind Fitness Training (MMFT). All subjects completed an inspiratory breathing load (IBL) task during functional magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and post-MMFT training. Marines who underwent MMFT training relative to those who were not exposed to MMFT demonstrated a significant attenuation of right anterior insula and ACC during the experience of loaded breathing. These results support the hypothesis that mindfulness training changes brain activation such that individuals process more effectively an aversive interoceptive stimulus. Thus, mindfulness training may serve as a training technique to modulate the brain's response to negative interoceptive stimuli, which may help to develop better coping abilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 08, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA619354
Entities
People
- Akanksha Shukla
- Alan N. Simmons
- Douglas C. Johnson
- Lori Haase
- Martin P. Paulus
- Nathaniel J. Thom
- Paul W. Davenport
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center