Measuring brain synchrony during meditation among different social groups
Official title: Brain-to-brain Synchrony as a Mechanism of Field Effects of Consciousness
Run by Maharishi International University · NCT06673589 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Maharishi International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Fairfield, Iowa and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | October 10, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | November 15, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06673589 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals who practice Transcendental Meditation and fit the specified social interaction criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with mental or physical issues may not receive benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While studies on brain synchrony and social dynamics exist, this specific approach using Transcendental Meditation among varied social groups is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * healthy fit the cohort criteria practice TM Exclusion Criteria: * mental or physical issue
Where it's running
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Maharishi International University
Fairfield, Iowa, United States Recruiting -
Maharishi International University
Fairfield, Iowa, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fred Travis, PhD — Maharishi International Uniersity
- Study coordinator: Frederick Travis, PhD
- Email: ftravis@miu.edu
- Phone: 6414721209
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.