PE augmented mindfulness: A neurocognitive framework for research and future healthcare

Written By David Sars

Published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

In the field of mindfulness there is much innovation as well as search for new applications. In the last decades research has shown that mindfulness positively impacts brain, nervous system and physiological health. Mindfulness practice has been found to improve brain regions related to self-regulation and somatic awareness - while practitioners tend to discover a new experience of self. 

Mindfulness practice found its way into many therapeutic applications, although it can be challenging to begin with. Its meditations may notably suffer from the adverse effects of (chronic) stress on attention regulation, which seems to be a vulnerability under high stress practitioner groups. The therapeutic application and scope of mindfulness may therefore be confined, sometimes even without notice.

A new published article in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience proposes physical exercises, such as aerobic exercise and yoga, when practiced consistently before meditation, to promote the development of mindful awareness. This is good news, as there has been little research on the shared neurocognitive mechanisms that underlie these practices. The article outlines testable hypothesis for future research on these mechanisms.

"PE augmented mindfulness: a neurocognitive framework for research and future healthcare" also provides guidelines for development of new targeted interventions. Besides being helpful for non-clinical groups, its interventions may particularly be helpful for those who are vulnerable to drop-out, motivational loss, or generally find difficulty in body focussed mentalisation. The framework describes guidelines for the adaption of existing mindfulness protocols - such as MBCT, MBSR or MBI's in general.  

PE augmented mindfulness offers an innovative approach for various practitioner groups. It strictly emphasises the self-regulatory healing capabilities of the human mind-body system. Tapping into these capabilities is expected to promote further awareness, a clear understanding on how individualised mind-body balance needs to be maintained, and hence the importance of life-style. Interventions derived from the framework can be applied both in protocolled group- as well as individual in-session therapy.

Treatment settings for application include treatments of pathology (e.g. in mental health care or inpatient), rehabilitation health care (e.g. for chronic pain or post- or long-COVID), general health practice or generally any other practice setting. 

Related research:

  • Sars, D. (2022). PE augmented mindfulness: a neurocognitive framework for research and future health care. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience Cognitive Neuroscience. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.899988  

  • Sars, D. (2023). Pranayama assisted mindfulness: Augmenting working mechanisms in mindfulness for pathology, hyperventilation, chronic fatigue- and post-COVID syndrome [Under review]. Amsterdam: Mettaminds.org. 

  • Sars, D. (2023). Exercises of PE augmented mindfulness: practical applications in therapy. [In preparation]. Amsterdam: Mettaminds.org. 

  • Sars, D. (2023). Mindful walking and neurocognition: a PE augmented mindfulness perspective [In preparation]. Amsterdam: Mettaminds.org.

David Sars