Affiliation:
1. International Ph.D. Program in Innovative Technology of Biomedical Engineering and Medical Devices Ming Chi University of Technology New Taipei City Taiwan
2. Institute for Neural Computation and Institute of Engineering in Medicine University of California San Diego San Diego California USA
3. Taipei Municipal Yangming High School Taipei City Taiwan
4. Department of Electrical Engineering Ming Chi University of Technology New Taipei City Taiwan
5. Department of Electronic Engineering National Taipei University of Technology Taipei Taiwan
Abstract
AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to assess how a Zentangle intervention influences cognitive focus, emotional well‐being, stress levels, and neural activity patterns across brain regions and frequency bands.MethodA cohort of 30 healthy adults, all without prior Zentangle experience, participated in this study. Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure their brain activity, and self‐reported data were collected through questionnaires to assess subjects’ concentration levels, emotional calm, and stress and anxiety.FindingsParticipants reported enhanced cognitive focus and emotional well‐being, evidenced by increased self‐reported concentration and emotional calmness, and reduced stress and anxiety levels during the intervention. EEG analyses revealed notable changes in neural activity patterns, including decreased delta power and increased theta, alpha, beta, and gamma bands. Functional connectivity analysis also highlighted alterations in the brain's functional connectivity, suggesting potential effects on neural communication and information processing.ConclusionThis study provides compelling evidence of Zentangle's impact on EEG data, aligning it with equanimity and tranquility consistent with previous mindfulness research. These findings underscore Zentangle as an effective mindfulness practice, potentially enhancing cognitive focus and emotional well‐being, and emerging as a valuable intervention for improving mental health and overall well‐being.
Funder
National Science and Technology Council