A Clinical Evaluation of Bhastrika Pranayama on reaction component of cognitive function among school students- A randomized controlled trial

Yoga is a Indian philosophical System which combines physical postures, rhythmic breathing, and meditation for holistic mind-body benefits. A study by Kanchibhotla et al. (2021) found traditional practices like Pranayama and Meditation significantly improved cognitive functions, particularly verbal memory, in visually impaired adolescents. Yoga has eight stages-”Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi” progressively enhance moral, physical, and mental well-being. Pranayama, involving controlled breathing (inhalation, exhalation, and retention), regulates energy and promotes mental clarity, highlighting yoga’s transformative potential.

Bhastrika Pranayama, mimicking bellows action, influences reaction time (RT). Adolescence, marked by brain reorganization and heightened plasticity, sees significant cognitive and emotional development, especially in executive functions and processing speed. Evidence suggests yoga benefits mental and cognitive health, enhancing memory, attention, and overall function.

Studies on reaction time in school boys showed improvement with yoga, whereas results in females were less conclusive, likely due to gender differences. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Bhastrika Pranayama on attention in adolescents, through a randomized controlled trial, comparing intervention and control groups across genders to establish its impact on cognitive reaction time.