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Effect of Sookshma Meditation on Cognition and Mental Health Among Students: A Pilot Study
Dhanashri Patil1, Neetinakumar J Patil2, A Jagadamba3
1ORCiD ID: 0000-0003-2455-9434, Assistant Professor, Department of Ayurveda Samhita and Siddhanta, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Udupi, Karnataka, India.
Background:
Meditation is increasingly recognised for its potential to enhance cognitive function and mental well-being, particularly among students experiencing academic stress. Sookshma Meditation, a practice that integrates subtle physical movements with breath awareness, offers a unique approach to enhancing mental health and cognitive performance.
Objective:
This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of Sookshma Meditation on cognitive functions and mental health among students.
Methods:
A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 42 students, aged 19-25 years, and randomly assigned to a study group (n=20) and a control group (n=22). Both interventions lasted 30 minutes, five days a week for 4 weeks. The study group practised Sookshma Meditation, a structured technique incorporating subtle physical movements to release tension, breath awareness, heart-centred self-compassion affirmations, and silent chanting. The control group engaged in 10 minutes of slow mindful walking followed by 20 minutes of seated simple breath observation. Cognitive parameters were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Tests A and B, and P300 event-related potential latency and amplitude.
Results:
The Sookshma Meditation group exhibited significant within-group improvements, including reduced P300 rare stimuli (P= .032), increased P300 amplitude (P = .036), reduced Trail Making Test B scores (P < .001), and increased MMSE scores (P < .001). The control group showed significant within-group improvement only in reduced Trail Making Test B completion time (P = .009), without significant changes in P300 parameters or MMSE scores. Comparison of change scores between groups revealed significantly higher improvements in the Sookshma Meditation group for Trail Making Test B (P < .001) and MMSE (P = .012).
Conclusion:
Sookshma Meditation is associated with positive effects on cognitive function in students, including improved attention, cognitive flexibility, and global cognition. These preliminary findings suggest its potential as a practical intervention for enhancing academic performance through better cognitive abilities. Further studies with larger sample sizes, multicentric designs, and longer follow-up are warranted.
Keywords:
Yoga, Meditation, Cognition, Mindfulness, Adult.
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