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Immediate effect of yogic visual concentration on cognitive performance.

B R Raghavendra¹, Prashanth Singh¹

¹Division of Yoga and Life Sciences, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, # 19 Ekanath Bhavan, Gavipuram Circle, K G Nagar, Bangalore 560019, Karnataka, India.

Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine

|February 13, 2016

Summary

Yogic visual concentration (trataka) significantly improves cognitive performance. This ancient Indian yoga technique enhanced performance on the Stroop color-word test, suggesting benefits for attention and cognitive flexibility.

Keywords:

Stroop color–word test attention cognitive performance trataka yoga

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Area of Science:

Yoga and Cognitive Science
Neuroscience and Psychology

Background:

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika outlines six cleansing techniques for yoga preparation.
Yogic visual concentration (trataka) is one such technique, previously linked to increased critical flicker fusion (CFF).

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the immediate impact of trataka on cognitive functions.
To assess cognitive performance using the Stroop color-word test.

Main Methods:

Thirty healthy male volunteers (18-31 years) participated.
Cognitive performance was measured using the Stroop color-word test before and after trataka.
A control session was conducted on a separate day for comparison.

Main Results:

A significant improvement in Stroop color-word test performance was observed after trataka compared to the control session (p < 0.001).
Trataka led to enhanced selective attention, cognitive flexibility, and response inhibition.

Conclusions:

Trataka, an ancient yogic cleansing technique, positively impacts cognitive functions.
The practice shows potential for improving key cognitive abilities relevant to mental performance.