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Yoga and Cognition

The science of Cognition refers to the workings of Mind- Brain and encompasses the
range of mental processes such as attention, perception, learning, problem solving,
thinking, and the way we process he information and retain and recall them. The
cognitive schemas are structures, which influences our perception of self, others and the
world. In short the cognitions are the frame of reference to interpret the world within us
and outside us. Extensive researches in the field of cognitive science have highlighted the
significance of these processes in overall quality of life across life span including for
mental health and adjustment.
Cognitive functions and cognitive quality of life is a domain addressed in the
management of various clinical populations as well as human performance in work area.
Assessment of cognitive abilities and cognitive failures are primary both in understanding
problems but also to provide suitable interventions for successful rehabilitation.
Generally intervention on cognitive quality of life have been to promote physical activity,
nutritional counseling, specific drug treatment, cognitive reeducation, socialization and
specific cognitive engagement task like reading as beneficial in reducing decline and also
promoting performance on cognitive task. (Gallucci et al, 2009) The strategy of these
interventions is to enhance circulation to the Brain, facilitate oxygen supply, increase the
neural activity and also reduce the stress factors.
Indian philosophy conceptualizes human existence in a multidimensional perspective
and the interdependence of each of these dimensions in all functional aspects . Physical
ailments and specific emotional disturbances are likely to cause the disturbances in the
way mind processes the information is clearly stated in the yoga literature.( Patanjala
Yoga sutra ) Thus the practices involving the body, breath and mind are considered to
provide clarity and facilitate the higher level of intellectual functions. This term is
broadly termed as VIVEKA - a discriminative knowledge.
Research in Yoga Pertaining to cognitive functions and cognitive orientation.
What constitutes cognitive Functions? This Constitutes basically various abilities or
skiils such as concentration,alertness, Memory,problem solving,learning etc Studies on
Yoga as holistic intervention strategy have shown that practice of yoga is beneficial in
enhancing the reaction time (Madanmohan,Udupa and Bhavnani 2003), Intelligence
( Uma et al ,1989), concentration,memory,reducing state anxiety ( priyadarshini
2001;Manjunath and Telles 2001) However, one of the critical point is that on many
cognitive tasks, performance enhancement cannot be purely attributed to training alone. It
can also be due to practice effect. Kimbrough, Balkin and Rancich (2007) demonstrated
that improvement in memory scores on post yoga intervention was due to practice effect
and not due to yoga intervention

Thus while studying the cognitive performance oriented changes in yoga interventions
,there is a need to take into consideration the practice effect as a confounder. Further
performance on cognitive task is associated with the intellectual capacity.Thus
intelligence level has to be either matched for the arms or it must be taken as a covariate
Cognitive tasks or ability which is assessed must be specific to the process that is being
evaluated.
Yoga practice and cognitive performance in clinical group have not shown any marked
changes in the functions.
Studies on clinical population have re emphasized the emotional regulation and
relaxation effect of yoga practices.Increased alertness,energy and functional efficiency in
daily activities is often clearly demonstrated. However the demons ratable changes in
cognitive processes as an outcome still eludes us as a strong evidence.
Oken et al et al ( 2006 )did not show any improvement in cognitive functions of yoga
trained group. This randomized, controlled trial compared the benefits of six months of
yoga, walking, and a wait-list control for 135 generally healthy seniors (65-85 years). The
yoga and walking conditions included both group classes and a recommendation of home
practice. Neither yoga nor walking improved cognitive function (including a an EEG
measure of alertness,attention in stroop task). Participants in the yoga condition showed
improvements in physical outcomes such as balance and flexibility, and quality of life
outcomes such as energy and sense of well-being.
Similarly an intensive study on the efficacy of yoga in seizure conditions was evaluated.
Seizure condition is associated with known cognitive compromises attributed both to the
clinical status and also the medication. The sample of 43 subjects underwent 30 Sessions
in three phases ( 6 month for each phase)of yoga training which included individualized
program of asana practice,pranayama and also chant and meditation. The patients in the
yoga group were assessed pre and post intervention on a battery of cognitive tasks by a
trained psychologist who was blind to the treatment( Using WAIS-R) The interval
between pre and post test was 12 months. The results revealed that there was no
statistically significant gain in the cognitive tasks, which included immediate memory,
delayed memory, verbal and performance tasks. However the responses were non
normative in some of the functions. 8(%) epileptic patients showed improvement in
general memory,7 in working memory and 7 patients improvement in performance task
like processing speed ,problem solving..
Study by Kauts and Sharma (2009) showed that the students, who practiced yoga
performed, better in academics.
In our study ( Latha and Jayapriya ,2011) where college students who had reported
higher state and trait anxiety and cognitive failure were randomized into thre arm. One
group receiving yoga and another given the cognitive skill education with Jacobson
relaxation. The control group had no intervention. The results revealed that yoga-trained
group had shown significant improvement in trait and state anxiety scores post
intervention had also reported lesser degree of distractability, memory lapses and

blunders. But they did not show improvement in cognitive task. However the cognitively
trained group showed significant reduction in cognitive failure and anxiety and also
improved performance in cognitive task. When training is specific mental oriented
activity it directly influences the performance, when the intervention is physical the
influence on cognitive processes are likely to be indirect.
There are specific methodological issues in the measurement of cognitive functions
among clinical groups.
Cognitions refers to both a set of beliefs and attiudes as well as skills in applying the
cognitive processes in solving day to day problems.The Cognitive orientation changing
with practice of yoga or meditation allows us to understand the changes in self perception
and views of the world. Cognitive abilities are those skills of survival which is to a large
extent are linked to age,maturity,intelligence and prformance is to a large extent affected
by stress and fatigue,pain etc.

What are Orientation?These refers to Cognitive maps or schemas that we use to interpret
and interact with the world. This can be constitute attitudes,beliefs,and also
charecteristic styles of responding to external world and views about self also.The
Self efficacy beliefs,Self acceptance and also field independence are such
constructs which indicate the individuals orientation to self and environment.
Meditation research has outlined the changes in the cognitive orientation among the
advanced practitioners due to long-term training. ( sridevi and krishnarao,2003;
Mechanism oriented research have clearly demonstrated the changes in the brain
functions which have clinical relevance.Meditation improving alertness ,improved
decision making ( ahmed et al 2004) among managersin work place.
Regulating thoughts and directing it on specific tasks can be facilitated by meditative
practices, which have pranayama also as a preparatory process. There is a need to
examine the role of pranayama and meditation in facilitating the cognitive processes in
individuals.
Which as aspsect of cognition we are trying to evaluate in yoga practice is it our
orientation or task efficiency?

What are the likely mechanism where the yoga can actually influence the
cognitions?
Yoga and cognition possible mechanism

Yoga Interventions
Asanas,Pranayama,Meditation,Chanting,Life style practices

Mechanism
Improved Lung Capacity,Improved Circulation
Autonomic balance
Stress Relief
Pain Reduction,Mood Elevation
Emotional regulation
Dietary appropriateness
Improved Sleep quality
Improved general healthy life style such as non smoking
etc

General Outcomes
Acceptance
Self Awareness
Field Independence
Confidence
Mental alertness-Motivation
Energy and activation

Cognitive skills
improvement
Shift in
Cognitive orientation
Reduction in Self
reported Cognitive
failures

Reference
----------( 2006)Therapeutic Effect of yoga on persons with epileptic seizures, CCRYN
project conducted a Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram,Chennai.
Bhavnani, B. A., Madanmohan, J. L. & Udupa, K. (2003). Acute effect of much bhastika
on reaction time. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 47(3), 297-300.
Gallucci ,M: . Antuono ,P. Ongaro,F Forloni P.L.. Albani D. Amici G.P, Regini C (2009)
Physical activity, socialization and reading in the elderly over the age of
seventy: What is the relation with cognitive decline? Evidence from
The Treviso Longeva (TRELONG) studyArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 48,
284286

Kimbrough, S., Balkin, R. & Rancich, A. (2007). The effect of inverted yoga
positions on short-term memory. Athletic insight The Online Journal of Sport
Psychology, 9(2).
Kautsand ,Amit, Neelam Sharma (2009). Effect of yoga on academic performance
in relation to stress. International Journal of yoga.2.(1).39-43.
Latha Satish and Jayapriya ,R.P.( 2011) Cognitive failure and anxiety among college
students:Scope for intervention.Indian Journal of Community Psychology,vol7,issue1,51-58.

Manjunath N.K and Telles S.(2001) Improved performance in the Tower of


London test following yoga. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology.
45(3):351-354.
Manjunath, N. K. & Telles, S. (2004). Spatial and verbal memory test scores
following yoga and fine arts camps for school children. Indian Journal of
Physiology and Pharmacology, 48(3), 353-356.
Naveen, K. N., Nagaratna, R., Nagendra, H. R. & Telles, S. (1997). Yoga
breathing through a particular nostril increases memory scores without
lateralised effect. Psychological Reports, 81, 555-561.

Oken, Zajdel, Kishiyama, Flegal, et al ( 2006) Randomized, controlled, six-month


trial of yoga in healthy seniors: effects on cognition and quality of life.
Alternative Therapy Health Medicine, 12(1): 4047.
Priydarshini, N. D. (2001). Yogasanas training for anthropometric and
psychological changes among adolescents. Unpublished Ph.D. thesis submitted
to the University of Madras, Chennai.
Uma, K., Nagendra, H. R., Nagaratna, R., Vaidehi, S. & Seethalakshmi, R. (1989).
The integrated approach of yoga: A therapeutic tool for mentally retarded
children: A one year control study. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research,
33(1), 415-421. Retrieved on June 26, 2008 from interscience,wiley.com

Dr Latha Satish
Managing Trustee,Director In Charge
Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram
Chennai
Former Research Scientist,Dept Of Psychology,
University Of Madras,Chennai.
lathamesha@hotmail.com
managingtrustee@kym.org

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