Meditation's Impact on Neuroplasticity: Unveiling the Anatomical, Physiological and Clinical Changes- A Meta-Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51985/Keywords:
Cognition, Neuroplasticity, Meditation, MindfulnessAbstract
Meditation affects neuroplasticity through synaptic pathways, prefrontal–limbic regulation, autonomic and biochemical systems. Randomized or controlled meditation interventions with at least one neuroplasticity related outcome published from January 2018 to April 2025 were included. Data extraction and synthesis were performed independently and combined by random-effects model. Eight studies met criteria for quantitative pooling. Structural changes included prefrontal and hippocampal plasticity (pooled SMD = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.20–0.60). Functional neuroplasticity included improved attentional network activity and decreased DMN dominance (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25–0.70). Physiological markers demonstrated a positive trend (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.35–0.85). Higher BDNF and lower inflammatory indices were noted (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.30–0.80). Psychological outcomes and cognitive functions improved (SMD = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.25–0.75). Global heterogeneity was high (I2 = 81.3%), Egger’s test showed weak publication bias (p = 0.039). Analysis concluded significant meditation related neuroplastic changes in all studied domains
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Copyright (c) 2026 Afshan Iftikhar, Shandana Qazi, Madeeha Sadiq, Sana Azwar, Maham Khalid, Marina Ihsan, Numan Majeed (Author)
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