Digital mindfulness training and cognitive functions: A preregistered systematic review of neuropsychological findings

Magnus Liebherr, Annika Brandtner, Matthias Brand, Yi Yuan Tang

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Traditional mindfulness interventions have been frequently reported to be effective in improving cognitive functions. In recent years, however, traditional programs are being increasingly replaced by technology-enabled mindfulness training programs. The aim of the present systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021289480) is to evaluate the research evidence on their effects on cognitive functions. Empirical training studies in the realm of digital mindfulness training that fulfilled the inclusion criteria led to 19 studies and 1654 participants being included in this review from among the papers searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge. Results support previous assumptions on the potential of digital mindfulness training, with the most robust effect on attention control, followed by executive regulation, memory, cognitive flexibility, and other cognitive functions. However, the number of studies that did not find significant changes at least equaled, if not exceeded, the number of studies that found increases. The heterogeneity of identified studies prompted us to discuss several aspects in order to help the future development of digital applications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)37-49
Number of pages13
JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Volume1532
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2024

Keywords

  • cognition
  • cognitive functions
  • digital
  • mindfulness
  • training

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • History and Philosophy of Science

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