超音波技術でマインドフルネスを高める研究(Ultrasound technology can be used to boost mindfulness, study finds)

2024-07-12

2024-07-11 アリゾナ大学

アリゾナ大学の研究者たちは、新しい研究で低強度超音波技術(TFUS)を使用して、デフォルトモードネットワーク(DMN)と呼ばれる脳の領域を非侵襲的に変更し、マインドフルネスを高めることに成功した。DMNは日常的な内省や過去の記憶の想起、未来の計画などに関与している。実験では30人の参加者にTFUSを使用し、後部帯状皮質を刺激。その結果、DMN内の脳の接続性が減少し、マインドフルネスや自己認識、時間の感覚に影響を与えた。TFUSは低エネルギーで脳活動を変化させることができ、将来的には個別の特性に基づいた精密治療や、うつ病や不安障害の治療にも応用可能と期待されている。

<関連情報>

後帯状皮質への経頭蓋集束超音波はデフォルト・モード・ネットワークと主観的経験を調節する:fMRIパイロット研究
Transcranial focused ultrasound to the posterior cingulate cortex modulates default mode network and subjective experience: an fMRI pilot study

Brian Lord,Joseph L. Sanguinetti,Lisannette Ruiz,Vladimir Miskovic,Joel Segre,Shinzen Young,Maria E. Fini,John J. B. Allen
Frontiers of Human Neuroscience Published:04 June 2024
DOI:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2024.1392199

Background: Transcranial focused ultrasound (TFUS) is an emerging neuromodulation tool for temporarily altering brain activity and probing network functioning. The effects of TFUS on the default mode network (DMN) are unknown.

Objective: The study examined the effects of transcranial focused ultrasound (TFUS) on the functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), specifically by targeting the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Additionally, we investigated the subjective effects of TFUS on mood, mindfulness, and self-related processing.

Methods: The study employed a randomized, single-blind design involving 30 healthy subjects. Participants were randomly assigned to either the active TFUS group or the sham TFUS group. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans were conducted before and after the TFUS application. To measure subjective effects, the Toronto Mindfulness Scale, the Visual Analog Mood Scale, and the Amsterdam Resting State Questionnaire were administered at baseline and 30 min after sonication. The Self Scale and an unstructured interview were also administered 30 min after sonication.

Results: The active TFUS group exhibited significant reductions in functional connectivity along the midline of the DMN, while the sham TFUS group showed no changes. The active TFUS group demonstrated increased state mindfulness, reduced Global Vigor, and temporary alterations in the sense of ego, sense of time, and recollection of memories. The sham TFUS group showed an increase in state mindfulness, too, with no other subjective effects.

Conclusions: TFUS targeted at the PCC can alter DMN connectivity and cause changes in subjective experience. These findings support the potential of TFUS to serve both as a research tool and as a potential therapeutic intervention.