NEURO-COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENTS THROUGH YOGA TECHNIQUES: A FOCUSED ANALYSIS ON MEMORY AND ATTENTION IN MEDICAL STUDENTS
Main Article Content
Keywords
Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, Raja Yoga, cognitive function, medical students, memory, attention, stress management
Abstract
Background:
The rigorous demands of medical education often lead to high levels of stress, which can adversely affect cognitive functions such as memory and attention. Yoga, an ancient practice integrating physical postures, controlled breathing, and meditation, has been associated with various psychological benefits, including improvements in cognitive function. This study focuses on analyzing the effects of two specific yoga techniques, Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) and Raja Yoga, on the memory and attention of undergraduate medical students.
Objective:
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga and Raja Yoga on improving memory and attention among medical students, compared to a control group that did not engage in any structured physical or mental exercises.
Methods:
A total of 150 medical students were randomly allocated into three groups: Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (n=50), Raja Yoga (n=50), and a control group (n=50). Both intervention groups practiced their respective yoga techniques for 30 minutes daily over a 20-week period, while the control group continued with their usual routines without any additional interventions. Cognitive assessments were conducted at baseline and after 20 weeks using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Stroop test.
Results:
At baseline, MMSE scores and Stroop test times were comparable across all groups. Post-intervention, significant improvements were observed in both intervention groups. The SKY group’s MMSE scores increased from 27.20 ± 2.16 to 29.02 ± 0.8 (p < 0.001), while the Raja Yoga group’s scores improved from 26.68 ± 2.15 to 29.02 ± 0.82 (p < 0.001). Stroop test times significantly decreased in the SKY group from 10.17 ± 1.04 seconds to 7.29 ± 1.12 seconds (p < 0.001) and in the Raja Yoga group from 10.53 ± 1.02 seconds to 7.43 ± 0.83 seconds (p < 0.001). The control group showed no significant changes in either MMSE scores or Stroop test times. Both yoga techniques were similar in efficiency.
Conclusion:
The findings from this study suggest that both Sudarshan Kriya Yoga and Raja Yoga are effective in significantly enhancing cognitive functions related to memory and attention among medical students. These yoga practices could be beneficial as part of a regular routine for students in managing stress and improving academic performance.
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Dr. Rajat Kumar Barik
Junior Resident, Department of Physiology, M.L.N. Medical College, Prayagraj
Dr. Poonam Gupta
Professor, Department of Physiology,M.L.N. Medical College, Prayagraj
Dr. Anurag Varma
Consultant, Department of Psychiatry,S.R.N. Hospital and M.L.N. Medical College, Prayagraj
Dr. Piyush Saxena
Professor, P.G. Department of Medicine,M.L.N. Medical College, Prayagraj
Dr. Abhishek Singh
Assistant Professor, Department T.B. and Chest, S.R.N. Hospital and M.L.N. Medical College, Prayagraj