Project Soma: Cortical Activity of a Body Scan Meditation and Yoga Practice in Healthy Yogis

In Aim 1a, we will use self-report measures of interoception and awareness, using the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire - Short Form (FFMQ-SF), and fNIRS to capture cortical activity during brief exposures to resting (Body scan) and movement-based (yoga) practices. We predict that self-reported interoception and awareness will moderately, and directly correlate with prefrontal cortical activity during the Body Scan and Yoga practices. In other words, we expect that higher levels of self-reported interoception and awareness will be positively associated with higher levels of prefrontal cortical activity for both awareness-focused practices.

In Aim 1b, we will use (i) the self-report measures (MAIA and FFMQ-SF) to identify a 'regulatory awareness' cluster and 'acceptance in action' cluster, and (ii) the quantitative sensory test of pressure pain tolerance. We will test the hypothesis that individuals categorized into the 'acceptance in action' cluster will demonstrate higher pressure pain threshold and tolerance compared to the 'regulatory awareness' cluster.

In Aim 2, we will use cortical activity levels captured using fNIRS during two awareness-based practices - Body Scan and Yoga. We expect that cortical activity will be higher during Yoga compared to Body Scan (Aim 2a). We further expect that individuals who initially receive the resting-based meditation and then progress to receive the active-based meditation (Body Scan->Yoga) will at a group level demonstrate higher levels of cortical activity in comparison to individuals who receive Yoga->Body Scan (Aim 2b).

In Aim 3, we will use self-report measures of interoception (MAIA) and self-report measures of healthy emotionality (Emotional Styles Questionnaire, ESQ) and psychological well-being (Scales of Psychological Well-Being, PWB). We predict that interoception will be moderately correlated with healthy emotionality and psychological well-being.

Our contribution will be significant because elucidating cognitive and affective processes of awareness-based practices will help inform who may more favorably respond to different awareness-based practices aimed at cultivating well-being. Our proposed research is innovative because it seeks to advance a sensorimotor and psychological mechanistic understanding of meditation practices that will elucidate the 'active ingredients' responsible for its therapeutic effect.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults currently engaged in yoga

Exclusion criteria

• History of any neurological disorder that could impair brain function