Differential Effects of Meditation and High Entropy Music on Inter-Brain Synchronization
Poster No:
673
Submission Type:
Abstract Submission
Authors:
JUNLING GAO1, George Lee1, Bonnie Wu1, Hang Kin Leung1, Junhao Liao1, Chun Poon1, Hin Hung Sik1
Institutions:
1The University of Hong Kong, PR China, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
First Author:
Co-Author(s):
Introduction:
Adolescence represents a critical period for social connectedness development, where interventions like meditation and music may significantly impact brain function (Dikker 2017). This study investigated how meditation and 6Hz binaural music of auditory high entropy response (AHER), affect neural synchronization and complexity in adolescents, with particular focus on patterns relevant to social connectedness. It is hypothesized that 6Hz binaural stimulation AHER can induce a state of enhanced neural synchronization and information integration (Ingendoh 2023). By combining network theory and Integrated Information Theory (IIT) approaches, we aimed to examine how these interventions affect both local and global brain dynamics, with particular emphasis on neural patterns associated with social connectivity and collective behavior.
Methods:
Methods: Twenty-five adolescents (16 years old) underwent forehead-placed single-channel EEG recording during three 5-minute conditions: rest, meditation, and 6Hz binaural music. EEG data (256Hz) were collected using wearable single channel EEG devices through smartphone and app (soulmirror, EEGsmart). The single-channel EEG on the prefrontal cortex was chosen for its relevance to social cognition and executive function. Analysis integrated multiple computational approaches: correlation matrices quantified neural synchronization, graph theoretical metrics assessed network properties, and IIT measures evaluated information integration and emergence.
Results:
Results: The 6Hz binaural music condition demonstrated the highest mean correlation (M=0.0495), significantly exceeding both meditation (M=0.0255) and rest (M=0.0156) (p<0.05, uncorrected). Music induced the largest information cascades (4.44) and strongest AHER, indicating enhanced neural entrainment. Meditation uniquely showed the highest emergent strength (0.1212), suggesting distinct integration patterns. Both active conditions significantly altered brain dynamics compared to rest, but through different mechanisms. See figure 1 and 2.
·Figure 1. Correlation analysis on three conditions of rest, meditation and music
·Figure 2. Network analysis on interbrain connection using graph theory
Conclusions:
Conclusion: The findings reveal that 6Hz binaural music and meditation distinctly influence adolescent brain dynamics. Music's enhanced synchronization and information integration suggest potential benefits for social connectivity, while meditation's unique neural patterns indicate different but complementary effects. These results provide a foundation for developing targeted interventions to enhance adolescent well-being through auditory and contemplative practices. Future research should explore these neural signatures' relationship to behavioral outcomes and potential applications in educational and therapeutic settings.
Emotion, Motivation and Social Neuroscience:
Social Neuroscience Other 1
Higher Cognitive Functions:
Music 2
Novel Imaging Acquisition Methods:
EEG
Keywords:
Cognition
Development
Electroencephaolography (EEG)
Emotions
Plasticity
Social Interactions
1|2Indicates the priority used for review
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Provide references using APA citation style.
Dikker, S., Wan, L., Davidesco, I., Kaggen, L., Oostrik, M., McClintock, J., Rowland, J., Michalareas, G., Van Bavel, J. J., Ding, M., & Poeppel, D. (2017). Brain-to-brain synchrony tracks real-world dynamic group interactions in the classroom. Current Biology, 27(9), 1375-1380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2017.04.002