A Dissertation Submitted by P. M. Kesavan

Under the guidance of Dr. H. R. Nagendra and Dr. R. Nagarathna
Towards the partial fulfillment of Master Of Science (Yoga)
To
Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samasthana (SVYASA)
(A Deemed University recognized by UGC Govt. of India through HRD)
#19 "Eknath Bhavan" Gavipuram Circle, Kempegowda Nagar, Bangalore 560 019, India.

Abstract: The objective of this research was to ascertain the cognitive changes after yoga practices on the attention, concentration and memory in normal healthy people. For this purpose, logical memory, digit span, visual reproduction and letter cancellation tests were assessed on 31 (14 men and 17 women) normal healthy volunteers who attended the post conference session of the 14th International Conference on Frontiers on yoga research and applications with special emphasis on Prananvenana from 23rd December to 30th December 2003 at Prasanti Kutiram, near Bangalore. They stayed in the campus and were provided sattvik vegetarian food. The participants were divided into 3 groups. There was a common program, special techniques, voice culture, pranic energization and cosmic energy transmission.

The yoga intervention included Sithilikaran Vyayama, Kriyas, Asanas, Pranayama, Deep Relaxation Technique (Savasana), Dhyana, Devotional Songs, Voice Culture, and Pranic Energization.

The baseline data was collected on 23.12.2003 and the post test was conducted on 29.12.2003 after six days of practice. Participants were from different cross sections who participated in the conference with different age groups, educational and social backgrounds. Pre and post data were compared by non parametric two tailed Wilcoxon signed Rank test. A significant improvement was observed in all variables as follows:

Logical Memory - P<.000
Digit Span - P<.002
Visual Reproduction - P<.000
Letter Cancellation - P<.000

The overall effect of this integrated yoga practice is more on reduction of anxiety, better concentration and mind relaxation. Thus the findings of this study corroborates the findings of earlier studies of effects of Yoga practice on mind and its performance irrespective of difference in age, gender and other background.

Summary & Conclusion: The impact of the study indicates significant improvement on concentration, attention and memory. In LC error/omission the post result comparisons shows the reduction of errors. The study has shown positive improvement in attention, concentration and memory. It is felt that further study with different tests instruments will reveal the exact statistics and results. In our test we have used the same test in pre and post stages. The subjects may remember the first test after 6 days also.