The effect of Om Chanting, Bhramari Pranayama, and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama on cognitive functions among medical students: An experimental trial

Background: Physical inactivity leads to stress-related unconstructive repetitive thought, negatively affecting student’s cognitive health. The present study tried to find a way to enhance students’ cognition through yoga. The study assessed the effect of “Om” Chanting, Bhramari Pranayama, and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama on cognition of medical students. Methods: One hundred and fifty participants (75 in each group aged 18­27 years) were selected from SGRR Medical College, Dehradun, in the northern region of India. They were randomized into the yoga group (n = 75) and control group (n = 75). Cognitive functions were assessed using psychological tools. Attention was assessed for six letter cancelation tasks. Reaction time was assessed with reaction time apparatus. Metacognition was evaluated with the metacognitive inventory. Working memory was assessed with the digit span (forward and backward) test. Results: A total of 73 (49%) male and 77 (51%) female participants were included in the study. Participants’ mean age was 20.10 (standard deviation ­ 0.89102). There was a statistically significant mean difference between both the groups at postintervention concerning digit span forward (0.000), digit span backward (0.000), letter cancellation test (total attempted ­ 0.000, wrongly attempted ­ 0.009, and net attempted ­ 0.000), and metacognition test (0.002) variables were