Among the most interesting discoveries in the experiments was the fact that the level of attentiveness differs between the left and the right brain based on the type of meditation or exercise that one engages in. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Korea Bizwire) – A team of scientists from Dongguk University announced the use of a “tactile stimulation distribution apparatus” to measure levels of focus and concentration, a method which the team expects can be applied to diagnose diseases such as ADHD, depression, and Alzheimer’s.
The apparatus uses small vibration motors attached to the subject’s body, which stimulate the subject to compare how many of the stimulators he or she perceived relative to how many were actually triggered. It was developed in 2014 by Dongguk professor Kim Sung-chul, who also led the recent study, for studying Sati, a Buddhist asceticism of “mindfulness”.
Using the device on meditating subjects, the team designated individuals as “focused” if the number of stimuli and the number perceived coincided, and “distracted” if the numbers differed.
Among the most interesting discoveries in the experiments was the fact that the level of attentiveness differs between the left and the right brain based on the type of meditation or exercise that one engages in.
For instance, people who partake in calmer, more silent asceticism or sports such as shooting had better development of their right brain, enhancing the cognitive ability and tactile sensation of the left side of the body, whereas those more engaged in active meditation or sports developed more of their left brain, improving the function of their right side of the body.
“We became the first in the world to represent the depth of Buddhist meditation, which is a subjective experience, into objective indicators,” said Kim. “We believe our technique can be applied to diagnose ADHD, and treat various psychological disorders like depression.”
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
