scholarly journals Mindfulness Practice with a Brain-Sensing Device Improved Cognitive Functioning of Elementary School Children: An Exploratory Pilot Study

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 103
Author(s):  
Boglarka Vekety ◽  
Alexander Logemann ◽  
Zsofia K. Takacs
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Passive Control ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Linear Change ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
Post Test

This is the first pilot study with children that has assessed the effects of a brain–computer interface-assisted mindfulness program on neural mechanisms and associated cognitive performance. The participants were 31 children aged 9–10 years who were randomly assigned to either an eight-session mindfulness training with EEG-feedback or a passive control group. Mindfulness-related brain activity was measured during the training, while cognitive tests and resting-state brain activity were measured pre- and post-test. The within-group measurement of calm/focused brain states and mind-wandering revealed a significant linear change. Significant positive changes were detected in children’s inhibition, information processing, and resting-state brain activity (alpha, theta) compared to the control group. Elevated baseline alpha activity was associated with less reactivity in reaction time on a cognitive test. Our exploratory findings show some preliminary support for a potential executive function-enhancing effect of mindfulness supplemented with EEG-feedback, which may have some important implications for children’s self-regulated learning and academic achievement.

scholarly journals RESTING STATE NETWORK AND MINDFULNESS IN MOTION PLUS DASH DIET IN AFRICAN AMERICANS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S112-S113
Author(s):  
Kathy D Wright ◽  
Klatt Maryanna ◽  
Ingrid Adams ◽  
Cady Block ◽  
Todd Monroe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Breathing Exercises ◽  
Resting State Network

Abstract The resting state network (RSN) is a target of interest in neurodegenerative research, with evidence linking functional connectivity of its constituent nodes with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Given the emerging linkage between Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia disorders (ADRD) and hypertension (HTN), non-pharmacological interventions that promote RSN connectivity and blood pressure are needed. The purpose of this pilot study protocol is to deliver a novel intervention, combining mindfulness and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), to improve RSN connectivity and blood pressure in African American (AA) older adults with MCI and HTN. Thirty-six AAs aged 65 and older will be randomized to mindfulness plus DASH, attention control (non-health related education), or a control group. The Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) plus DASH intervention is delivered in 8-weekly group sessions of 6-10 participants. MIM includes mindful movements from chair/standing, breathing exercises and guided meditation. The DASH intervention uses a critical thinking approach that involves problem solving, goal setting, reflection, and developing self-efficacy. Both components are culturally tailored for older African Americans. Cognitive examination, diet and mindfulness practice surveys, blood pressure, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (RSN) data are collected at baseline and 3 months. Forty-eight AAs were screened and 17 were enrolled (women= 13; men= 4) to date. Of the 17 enrolled, 7 were eligible for neuroimaging. Findings from this pilot study may provide the preliminary evidence that MIM plus DASH may improve RSN connectivity and blood pressure in this population at risk for ADRD.

scholarly journals Mindfulness Improves Brain Computer Interface Performance by Increasing Control over Neural Activity in the Alpha Band

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
James R. Stieger ◽  
Stephen Engel ◽  
Haiteng Jiang ◽  
Christopher C. Cline ◽  
Mary Jo Kreitzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neural Activity ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Body Awareness ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Alpha Band ◽  
Attention Task ◽  
Band Activity

AbstractBrain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are promising tools for assisting patients with paralysis, but suffer from long training times and variable user proficiency. Mind-body awareness training (MBAT) can improve BCI learning, but how it does so remains unknown. Here we show that MBAT allows participants to learn to volitionally increase alpha band neural activity during BCI tasks that incorporate intentional rest. We trained individuals in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR; a standardized MBAT intervention) and compared performance and brain activity before and after training between randomly assigned trained and untrained control groups. The MBAT group showed reliably faster learning of BCI than the control group throughout training. Alpha-band activity in EEG signals, recorded in the volitional resting state during task performance, showed a parallel increase over sessions, and predicted final BCI performance. The level of alpha-band activity during the intentional resting state correlated reliably with individuals’ mindfulness practice as well as performance on a sustained attention task. Collectively, these results show that MBAT modifies a specific neural signal used by BCI. MBAT, by increasing patients’ control over their brain activity during rest, may increase the effectiveness of BCI in the large population who could benefit from alternatives to direct motor control.

scholarly journals Mindfulness Improves Brain–Computer Interface Performance by Increasing Control Over Neural Activity in the Alpha Band

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 426-438
Author(s):  
James R Stieger ◽  
Stephen Engel ◽  
Haiteng Jiang ◽  
Christopher C Cline ◽  
Mary Jo Kreitzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Neural Activity ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Body Awareness ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Alpha Band ◽  
Band Activity

Abstract Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) are promising tools for assisting patients with paralysis, but suffer from long training times and variable user proficiency. Mind–body awareness training (MBAT) can improve BCI learning, but how it does so remains unknown. Here, we show that MBAT allows participants to learn to volitionally increase alpha band neural activity during BCI tasks that incorporate intentional rest. We trained individuals in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR; a standardized MBAT intervention) and compared performance and brain activity before and after training between randomly assigned trained and untrained control groups. The MBAT group showed reliably faster learning of BCI than the control group throughout training. Alpha-band activity in electroencephalogram signals, recorded in the volitional resting state during task performance, showed a parallel increase over sessions, and predicted final BCI performance. The level of alpha-band activity during the intentional resting state correlated reliably with individuals’ mindfulness practice as well as performance on a breath counting task. Collectively, these results show that MBAT modifies a specific neural signal used by BCI. MBAT, by increasing patients' control over their brain activity during rest, may increase the effectiveness of BCI in the large population who could benefit from alternatives to direct motor control.

scholarly journals Improving Student’s Mathematical Creative Thinking Ability and Self Regulated Learning using Sylver Approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 268
Author(s):  
Desy Tri Damayanti ◽  
Utari Sumarmo ◽  
Rippi Maya
Keyword(s):  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
Mathematics Ability ◽  
Thinking Ability ◽  
Regulated Learning ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Medium Level ◽  
Creative Thinking Ability

This study was a pre test-post test experiment without control group design having a goal to examine the role of Prior Mathematics Ability (PMA), Sylver  approach (SA) toward student’s mathematical creative thinking ability (MCTA) and Self Regulated Learning (SRL).  The study involved  65 eleven  grade student, a PMA test, a MCTA test, and SRL scale. The study found that PMA and SA took good role on obtaining student’s MCTA, its N<Gain> and SRL. On student’s MCTA, and its N<Gain> students getting treatment with SA attained better grades than that of students taught by conventional teaching, and the  grades were still at medium level.  On SRL,  there was no different grades between students on both teaching approaches, and those grades were at fairly good  level.  The other findings, there was no association between MCTA and SRL, and students performed high perception toward SA.

scholarly journals Effects of mindfulness training on regulatory and academic abilities in preadolescents: Results from a pilot study

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Wimmer ◽  
Lisa von Stockhausen ◽  
Silja Bellingrath
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Passive Control ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Coping With Stress ◽  
Stress Regulation ◽  
Diurnal Cortisol

AbstractRegulatory abilities such as self-regulation and stress regulation are key predictors of essential developmental outcomes, including intellectual and socioemotional milestones as well as academic achievement. Preadolescence has been proposed as a period that is crucial for training these abilities. The present pilot study investigated the effects of mindfulness training on preadolescents‘ regulatory abilities and school-related outcomes. A group of 34 fifth graders received either mindfulness training (experimental group), Marburg Concentration Training (alternative treatment group), or no treatment (passive control group) and were monitored over a four-month intervention period. Regulatory abilities were assessed first, with two self-report questionnaires that operationalized impulsivity and coping with stress, respectively. Second, physical stress regulation was examined on the basis of diurnal cortisol as well as salivary α-amylase (sAA) profiles. Finally, school-related outcomes were measured with a paperpencil based performance test of verbal memory. Results show that impulsivity increased in all groups over time, whereas there were no significant training effects on self-reported coping with stress. Both training groups showed more adaptive physiological stress regulation in terms of steeper diurnal cortisol slopes and marginally less pronounced sAA awakening responses, however, with respect to physiological measures, no data of the passive control group are available. With respect to school-related outcomes, the results indicate a slight superiority regarding verbal memory for the mindfulness training group compared to the Marburg Concentration Training group.

scholarly journals Effects of Passive Hydrotherapy WATSU (WaterShiatsu) in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Results of a Controlled Pilot Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnes M. Schitter ◽  
Marko Nedeljkovic ◽  
Heiner Baur ◽  
Johannes Fleckenstein ◽  
Luigi Raio
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Passive Control ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Treatment Method ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Third Trimester ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Negative Side Effects

Background. WATSU (WaterShiatsu) is a complementary therapeutic treatment method comprising passive stretches and massage techniques administered in 35°C warm water. Pregnant women claim safe methods to reduce pain, stress, and fatigue. Therefore, we conducted a pilot study evaluating the effects of WATSU on pregnancy-related complaints in third trimester pregnant women.Methods. Nine healthy pregnant women at gestational week ≥34 were included in an intervention group (receiving WATSU) and compared to eight women in a passive control group (receiving no treatment). WATSU was performed on days 1 and 4 of the study, accompanied by ultrasound examinations. Outcomes include physiological and psychometric as well as qualitative data. Participants in the control group completed questionnaires only.Results. WATSU was found to significantly lower participants’ levels of stress and pain and to improve their mental health-related quality of life and mood. In comparison to the passive control group, participants in the intervention group reported reduction in perceived stress from day 1 to day 8 (P=0.036, Cohen’sf=0.57). Qualitative data indicate that WATSU was appreciated as enjoyable and deeply relaxing. No negative side effects were reported.Conclusion. Our findings support the notion that WATSU yields therapeutic benefits for pregnant women and warrant further research. This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01708018.

scholarly journals Metacognitive Learning Approach in Affecting Students’ Self-Regulated Learning in Writing Course

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 1175-1184
Author(s):  
Abdul Halim ◽  
Sofia Ulfa Eka Hadiyanti
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
East Kalimantan ◽  
Metacognitive Instruction ◽  
Writing Course ◽  
Regulated Learning ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The University ◽  
Experimental Group

The research aimed to investigate the effect of metacognitive instruction on students' self-regulated learning (SRL) writing for Indonesian EFL students to have appropriate grammar and meaningful learning experiences. The methodology used was a quasi-experimental design. The research participants were 50 students from the University of Muhammadiyah East Kalimantan (UMKT) English department who took a writing course. The participants were divided into the experimental group that was taught with metacognitive instruction. In contrast, although the same teacher taught the control group and had similar learning materials, the teacher did not use metacognitive instruction. The data was taken through pre-test and post-test and analyzed through independent t-test with statistics tool SPSS. The results showed that the experimental group has a higher SRL score with significant results in overall score even though there is one component that is different from previous studies, namely knowledge of cognition. Some suggestions were proposed.

scholarly journals Peripheral Interleukin-18 Is Negatively Correlated With Abnormal Brain Activity In Patients With Depression: A Resting-State fMRI Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangdong Du ◽  
Siyun Zou ◽  
Yan Yue ◽  
Xiaojia Fang ◽  
Yuxuan Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resting State ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Resting State Fmri ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pathophysiological Mechanism ◽  
Interleukin 18 ◽  
Fmri Study ◽  
Rest State Fmri ◽  
Healthy Control

Abstract Background: Interleukin-18 (IL-18) may participate in the development of major depressive disorder, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to explore whether IL-18 correlates with areas of the brain associated with depression.Methods: Using a case-control design, 68 subjects (34 patients and 34 healthy controls) underwent clinical assessment, blood sampling, and resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). The total Hamilton depression-17 (HAMD-17) score was used to assess depression severity. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect IL-18 levels. Rest-state fMRI was conducted to explore the spontaneous brain activity. Results: The level of IL-18 was higher in patients with depression in comparison with health controls. IL-18 and degree centrality (DC) were negatively correlated with the left posterior cingulate gyrus in the depression patient group, but no correlation was found in the healthy control group. Conclusion: This study suggests the involvement of IL-18 in the pathophysiological mechanism for depression and interference with brain activity.

scholarly journals Pengaruh Model Self Regulated Learning terhadap Hasil Belajar IPA Siswa

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 258
Author(s):  
I Kadek Adhi Dharma Putra ◽  
Ni Wayan Arini ◽  
I Komang Sudarma
Keyword(s):  
Random Sampling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Group Design ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
Regulated Learning ◽  
Post Test

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh model Self Regulated Learning terhadap hasil belajar IPA antara kelompok siswa yang dibelajarkan dengan model pembelajaran Self Regulated Learning dan kelompok siswa yang dibelajarkan dengan model pembelajaran konvensional. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian eksperimen semu dengan desain Non Equivalent Post-Test Only Control Group Design. Populasi penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas V di SD Gugus X Kabupaten Buleleng, yang berjumlah 163 siswa. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik random sampling. Sampel penelitian yaitu kelompok siswa kelas V di SDN 2 Kaliuntu yang terpilih sebagai kelompok eksperimen dan SDN 3 Kaliuntu sebagai kelompok kontrol. Data hasil belajar siswa diperoleh melalui metode tes, yaitu tes pilihan ganda. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan teknik analisis statistik deskriptif dan statistik inferensial uji-t polled varians. Hasil pengujian hipotesis menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan hasil belajar IPA antara kelompok siswa yang mengikuti pembelajaran dengan model Self Regulated Learning dan kelompok siswa yang mengikuti pembelajaran konvensional. Hasil pengujian diperoleh (thitung = 8,76 > ttabel  = 1,86) sehingga H0 ditolak dan H1 diterima. Dengan demikian, kelompok siswa yang dibelajarkan dengan model pembelajaran Self Regulated Learning menunjukkan hasil belajar yang lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan kelompok siswa yang dibelajarkan menggunakan model pembelajaran konvensional.

scholarly journals Question-led approach in designing Dijkstra algorithm game-based learning: A pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 926
Author(s):  
Rosni Binti Ramle ◽  
D’oria Islamiah Rosli ◽  
Shelena Soosay Nathan ◽  
Mazniha Berahim
Keyword(s):  
Data Structure ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Teaching Tool ◽  
Game Model ◽  
Dijkstra Algorithm ◽  
Game Based Learning ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Graph Data ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
Post Test

Dijkstra algorithm is important to be understood because of its many uses. However, understanding it is challenging. Various methods to teach and learn had been researched, with mixed results. The study proposes questionled approach of the algorithm in a game-based learning context. The game designed based on an existing game model, developed and tested by students. Pre- and post-game tests compared and game feedback survey analysed. Results showed that students’ performance in graph data structure Dijkstra algorithm improved after playing the game where post-test mark was higher than pre-test. Game feedback were mostly positive, with areas of improvement. Students may use the game as a learning tool for self-regulated learning. Educators may get some ideas on how to design teaching tool using question-led approach.

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