EMBEC 2017, NBC 2017: EMBEC & NBC 2017 pp 21-24 | Cite as

Prediction of meditation experience using fMRI functional connectivity and multivariate pattern analysis

  • R. Guidotti
  • Cosimo Del Gratta
  • M. G. Perrucci
  • G. L. Romani
  • A. Raffone
Conference paper
First Online:
Part of the IFMBE Proceedings book series (IFMBE, volume 65)

Abstract

Mindfulness meditation is a complex psychological process that involves emotional, attentional and awareness practices. In this work, we predict the years of meditation experience of Buddhist monks using Multivariate Pattern Regression and functional connectivity analysis. 12 Buddhist monks underwent a meditation session according to two meditation styles while BOLD fMRI at 1.5 T was recorded. Functional connectivity matrices were calculated between functionally subdivided ROIs. Correlations were used as features for a Support Vector Regression with target the monks’ experience. Regression weights highlighted prominent connections and differentiated meditation styles.

Keywords

functional connectivity MVPA pattern regression mindfulness meditation 
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Copyright information

© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2018

Authors and Affiliations

  • R. Guidotti
    • 1
    • 2
  • Cosimo Del Gratta
    • 1
    • 2
  • M. G. Perrucci
    • 1
    • 2
  • G. L. Romani
    • 1
    • 2
  • A. Raffone
    • 3
  1. 1.Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical SciencesGabriele D’Annunzio UniversityChietiItaly
  2. 2.Institute for Advanced Biomedical TechnologiesGabriele D’Annunzio UniversityChietiItaly
  3. 3.PsychologyLa Sapienza University RomeRomeItaly

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