Editorial: Neural Mechanisms Underlying Movement-Based Embodied Contemplative Practices

Movement-based contemplative practices such as yoga, tai chi, the Feldenkrais Method, and dance have been shown to relieve symptoms of cancer, Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, PTSD, ADHD, depression, and anxiety, and to improve stress, cognition, physical function, and emotional states in healthy individuals. Despite these benefits, their neural mechanisms remain less studied than those of seated meditation, largely due to the challenge of investigating their combined movement, breath, and attention components. This Research Topic presents empirical data, theoretical frameworks, and clinical implications to advance understanding of the neurophysiological and neurocognitive mechanisms underlying these practices.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Compared to the extensive body of neuroscientific work on seated meditation practices, far fewer studies have investigated the neural mechanisms underlying movement-based contemplative practices such as yoga or tai chi. One likely reason is the inherent challenge of dealing with their multifaceted nature, typically involving specific movement sequences, regulation of the breath, and modulation of attention. Movement-based practices have, however, been found to be effective for relieving the symptoms of clinical conditions as diverse as cancer, Parkinson's disease (PD), chronic pain, fibromyalgia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and anxiety-related disorders. In addition, they have been shown to elicit measurable changes in physiological stress parameters, cognitive, and physical functioning as well experienced emotional states in healthy individuals. An important challenge for contemplative science is therefore to advance our understanding of the neurophysiological and neurocognitive mechanisms underlying these observed effects. The current Research Topic aims to make a contribution in this regard by outlining the state of the art of research on movement-based practices including yoga, tai chi, the Feldenkrais Method, as well as dance. The featured articles present empirical data, propose novel theoretical frameworks, and address the clinical implications of research within the field.