"Cognitive Effects of Suryanamaskar at Different Intensities in Adolescents”: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Lack of adequate physical inactivity is a growing global concern, as well as in India.Regular physical activity not only improves physical health but also enhances cognitive Fitness. Surya namaskar, a well known Indian form of aerobic exercise, has been shown on cognitive fitness. This study was carried out to evaluate intensity response alteration of suryanamaskar on  cognitive functions in Adolscents .

Methodology:A single blinded, randomised control trial was carried out among 136 children aged 12- 17 years. The children were selected using multistage cluster random sampling. A 12 weeks intervention was applied in 3 groups with variable intensity, viz, vigorous, moderate and mild intensity suryanamaskar. A fourth group did not underwent the intervention, and acted as a control group. The outcomes measures was  Stroop test for cognitive function. The data was analyzed using SPSS v25 and paired t-test and ANOVA with post hoc Tukey’s was applied for comparisons.

Results:It was observed that all 3 various intensity suryanamaskar groups showed significant

Improvement in  cognition at post-intervention measurement, whereas the control group did not show a significant improvement. On multiple comparisons, all 3 various intensity suryanamaskar group showed better improvements in the outcome measures compare to control group at the end of 12 weeks, but the vigorous intensity showed the largest improvement.

Conclusion: Vigorous intensity suryanamaskar for 12 weeks substantially improve cognitive function among adolscents