Investigating differences in mindfulness and neurocognitive performance between male and female yoga and non-yoga practitioners: a case control study

Existing research on yoga intervention demonstrates a beneficial effect on general well-being and physical health among yoga practitioners of both genders. But these investigations are mainly focused on the short or long-term intervention of yoga. To date, however, the effectiveness of regular yoga practice in improving psychological well-being and neurocognitive performance of both gender has not been examined. The primary focus of this study was gender-based yoga practice effect on neurocognitive functions and secondary focus was on the difference with matched non-practitioners. Therefore, the present study intended to investigate gender differences in mindfulness and neurocognitive performance between male and female yoga practitioners and non-practitioners. We hypothesized that i) the female yoga practitioners would result in lowered state and trait anxiety and perceived stress than male yoga practitioners, ii) the male yoga practitioners would have higher neurocognitive performance but females would result in higher accuracy and iii) yoga practitioners would have higher mindfulness and neurocognitive performance than non-practitioners.