Effect of Bhramari Pranayama on Audio-Visual reaction time among physically active and sedentary medical students.

The current medical curriculum hasn’t left much space for physical activities as it is academically intense and stressful.1 The students often and subconsciously invest most of their time to deskbound activities leading to a sedentary life from young age.

This sedentary lifestyle has been attributed as a major mortality risk factor independent of physical activity. Students finds difficulty in striking a balance, to include physical activity in their routine like running jogging, playing outdoor games.2

Yoga is a multifaceted spiritual tool with enhanced health and well-being as one of its positive effects.3 Pranayama is one of the components of yoga which is a breathing exercise. The Bhramari Pranayama is said to be one of the potent breathing techniques that enable a state of bliss in individual practicing it.4 Literature states that Bhramari pranayama calms one’s mind clears mental agitation and provide emotional balance.4

Reaction time is believed to be a good indicator of the speed and efficiency of mental processes and is a universal variable in the behavioural sciences.5,6 So the reaction time would help us to know our quickness and concentration level. Studies have shown that physically active individuals have better reaction time in compared to sedentary individuals.7

In the current study we would like to explore the effect of Bhramari pranayama on audiovisual reaction time among physically active and sedentary medical students.