Engstrom (2010)
Quality Index (Adjusted QI) 0.757
0 Low < 0.56 Moderate 0.56–0.77 High ≥ 0.78 1
Study Details
ConditionAttention/default mode (normal)
Clinical domainCognition & Neurodegeneration
PopulationHealthy adults
Sample sizen = 11
Country / SettingUSA - neuroimaging center
Protocol clusterKirtan Kriya (12-min)
DurationAcute/Cross-sectional
Control typeOther/Mixed
ComparatorN/A - Mechanism study
Outcomes & Effect Sizes
Primary outcomeCognition (memory/executive function)
Scales usedfMRI; default mode network analysis
Key resultDMN suppressed during mantra practice
Effect sizeDMN suppression during practice
RetentionN/A - acute imaging protocol
SafetySafe during fMRI
Methodological Summary
Observational neuroimaging; small sample; no control
KY Protocol Components
Kirtan Kriya: 12-minute singing meditation using mantra "Sa-Ta-Na-Ma" with finger movements (thumb touches index, middle, ring, pinky sequentially). Structure: 2 min aloud → 2 min whisper → 4 min silent → 2 min whisper → 2 min aloud. STUDY-SPECIFIC: Neuroimaging study; default mode network suppression during meditation; brain connectivity analysis.
Quality Item Scores — 1 fail · 2 partial · 3 pass · ★ critical
★A1
3
A2
3
★B2
2
B3
3
B4
2
★B5
3
B6
2
★B7
2
★B8
2
B9
2
JP1
3
Critical fails0
Raw QI0.818
SAF0.925
Adjusted QI0.757
Final ratingModerate