EFFECT OF YOGA ON CONCENTRATION, MEMORY, ATTENTION AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Yoga, an ancient practice originating from the Indian subcontinent, is rooted in mindfulness and self-awareness which harmonizes the body, mind, and spirit. Online classes have led to a decrease in attention span, ability to concentrate and reduced memory of students. Even three years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of psychological distress among young adults remains elevated. When individuals experience high levels of stress/anxiety, their cognitive functioning can be compromised, making it more difficult to focus and concentrate on tasks. Objective: The main goal is to investigate the effect of yoga on concentration, memory, and attention among young adults. Methods: A total of 50 young adults aged 18–25 years participated in the study. 25 subjects formed the non-yoga group (only meditation) while the remaining 25 subjects formed the yoga group and were trained to practice yoga techniques for 4 weeks under the guidance of a yoga instructor. To assess changes, their attention, concentration, and memory were evaluated using the Attentional Control Scale and the Mizan Meta-Memory and Meta-Concentration Scale before and after intervention. Results: The study showed statistically significant improvement in attention, concentration, and memory of yoga group (P < 0.001) in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that after yoga training, there is marked improvement in the attention, memory and concentration of young adults. These improvements are likely attributed to several factors including stress relief, enhanced relaxation, and mitigation of distracting thoughts that result from consistent yoga practice.

Keywords: yoga, memory, attention, concentration, cognitive function, young adults