Measuring brain synchrony during meditation among different social groups

Brain-to-brain Synchrony as a Mechanism of Field Effects of Consciousness

Maharishi International University · NCT06673589

This study is testing how meditating together affects the brain activity of identical twins, close friends, and strangers to see if social connections make a difference.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorMaharishi International University (other)
Locations2 sites (Fairfield, Iowa and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06673589 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to measure brain-to-brain synchrony among pairs of individuals with varying levels of social interaction, specifically focusing on identical twins, close friends, and strangers. Participants will engage in Transcendental Meditation while their brain activity is monitored to assess how social dynamics influence synchrony. The study will include healthy individuals who practice Transcendental Meditation and will exclude those with mental or physical issues. By comparing different social groups, the research seeks to uncover insights into the neuroscience of social connections.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals who practice Transcendental Meditation and fit the specified social interaction criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with mental or physical issues may not receive benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of how social relationships impact brain function and consciousness.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on brain synchrony and social dynamics exist, this specific approach using Transcendental Meditation among varied social groups is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* healthy fit the cohort criteria practice TM

Exclusion Criteria:

* mental or physical issue

Where this trial is running

Fairfield, Iowa and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Social Dynamics, Consciousness, Hyper-scanning, Social Neuroscience

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.