Effect of Classical Hata Yoga Training On Executive Function in Healthy Adults

Abstract

Background: Executive Function is a higher order of cognitive processes, mild cognitive impairment is associated with normal ageing, the world is aging rapidly through "demographic transition" resulted in early cognitive decline, there is a connection between cognition components with mental health disorders. Mind-body techniques such as yoga have shown to improve cognitive functions and enhancing psychological wellbeing. The objective of this study was to determine whether classical hata yoga training enhances the executive function resulting in improved cognitive functions. Material and Methods: Thirty four participants who had enrolled in a forty five days classical hata yoga training program. Their ages ranged between 18 and 50 years (group average ±S.D., 31.4±9.3 years, both genders). Those who have any chronic illness and mental illness, and those who are not willing to participate were excluded. Classical hata yoga training is given for 45 days, 3hours/day. At baseline and following forty five days, all participants completed DLST and SLCT. Results: Classical hata yoga training program showed significant change in DLST scores, increase (P-value< 0.000) in total attempted score, significant increase (P-value<0.000) in net score, significant reduction in wrongly attempted score (P-value<0.004). Significant change in SLCT scores, significant increase (P-value<0.000) in total attempted score, similarly, significant increase (P-value<.000) in net score, significant reduction in wrongly attempted score (P-value<0.000). Conclusions: The forty five days classical hata yoga training program was successful in enhancing the executive function among healthy adults.