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Hatha Yoga and Executive Function: A Systematic Review.

Kimberley Luu¹, Peter A Hall^1,2

¹1 Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario, Canada .

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.)

|September 24, 2015

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Hatha yoga may benefit executive function (EF) in various groups, including healthy adults, children, and older adults. More research is needed to confirm these promising effects on cognitive performance.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Psychology
Behavioral Science

Background:

Seated meditation is known to improve executive function (EF).
The impact of Hatha yoga, a form of moving meditation, on EF remains less understood.
This review synthesizes current research on Hatha yoga's effects on cognitive abilities.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically review the empirical literature on the effects of Hatha yoga on executive function (EF).

Main Methods:

Searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases for experimental studies.
Included studies with between- or within-subject designs examining Hatha yoga's impact on EF.
Considered acute, short-term, and longer-term Hatha yoga interventions.

Main Results:

Eleven studies met eligibility criteria, involving healthy adults, older adults, children, adolescents, and medical/forensic populations.
Evidence suggests Hatha yoga can improve EF in healthy adults, older adults, children, adolescents, and patients with type 2 diabetes.
Mixed results were observed in multiple sclerosis patients, while positive effects were noted in impulsive prisoners.

Conclusions:

Hatha yoga demonstrates potential benefits for executive function across diverse populations.
Further high-quality research is essential to solidify the evidence base for Hatha yoga's cognitive benefits.
Hatha yoga may be a valuable intervention for enhancing executive function in specific clinical and healthy groups.