Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 4, 2026
Resting-State Connectivity and Neuroimaging of Prefrontal Cortex Activity During a Block-Design Yoga Asana Practice Using fNIRS
Published on: June 24, 2025
A Comparative Study of Yoga and Physical Exercise on Visual Reaction Time in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized
Rangan Smrithi1, K S Tejaswini2, Kulageri Abhishek1
1Department of Physiology , Kasturba Medical College Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
Purpose:
Reaction time (RT) is a prime measure of how quickly the brain is able to process information and coordinates a physical response through neuromuscular pathways. It depicts both cognitive processing speed and motor execution efficiency. Enhancing reaction time is vital for academic, athletic, and daily activities, yet direct comparisons of yoga and physical exercise on visual reaction time in healthy young adults are limited. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the influence of a structured 12-week yoga program with that of a standard physical exercise regimen on VRT.
Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted at with 66 healthy medical students (18-25 years), randomly assigned to yoga (n = 33) or physical exercise (n = 33) groups. Both interventions were supervised, five days a week for 12 weeks. VRT was measured at baseline and post-intervention using a simple reaction timer, and data were analysed with Lab Scribe software to compare within- and between-group changes.
Results:
Both groups showed significant post-intervention reductions in mean VRT (p < 0.05). The reduction in VRT was significantly greater in the yoga group compared to the exercise group.
Conclusions:
Both interventions significantly improve VRT, indicating enhanced cognitive and neuromotor performance. Yoga may offer broader benefits in mental clarity and sustained attention, while physical exercise may facilitate quicker psychomotor gains. Integrating both approaches could maximize benefits for students, athletes, and the general population thereby contributing to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
More Related Videos
07:19A Modified Lean and Release Technique to Emphasize Response Inhibition and Action Selection in Reactive Balance
Published on: March 19, 2020
11:12Driving Simulation in the Clinic: Testing Visual Exploratory Behavior in Daily Life Activities in Patients with Visual Field Defects
Published on: September 18, 2012
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes