Assesment of cognitive performance in practitioners of short and long term Rajayoga meditation.

Ashwini A. Mahadule; Preeti Jain; A K Jain

Volume : VII, Issue : VII, July - 2018

Assesment of cognitive performance in practitioners of short and long term Rajayoga meditation.

Ashwini A. Mahadule, Preeti Jain, A K Jain

Abstract :

Background:Rajayoga meditation(RYM) has demonstrable effects on psychological health and cognitive performance of an individual.Objectives: The present study was conducted to elucidate the influence of short and long term RYM practice on cognitive performance of an individual and to ascertain gender differences.Materials and Methods: 60 participants were divided into three equal groups on basis of duration of RYM; non–meditators (GroupI), short–term meditators (GroupII–6months–5years) and long–term meditators (Group–III–>5 years). Cognitive performance was assessed using a neuropsychological test battery. Results: Group III participants took significantly less time to complete TMTB(p=0.002) and LCT(p=<0.001) as compared to group I participants. Males took significantly more time to complete LCT (p= 0.010) but were able to recall more on Forward Digit Span (p= 0.004) as compared to females.Conclusions: Variability in cognitive performance was seen across the meditators and non–meditators and amongst the two genders, as indexed by neuropsychological tests findings. Short–term meditators had better verbal recall whereas, long–term meditators exhibited better attention and executive functions. Young and middle–aged people can practice RYM to have better cognition as well as, to delay the age related decline in cognitive functions.