Yoga provides more immediate cognitive benefits than aerobic exercise, which has a delayed effect, according to a recent study.
“Despite an increase in the prevalence of yoga exercise, research focusing on the relationship between yoga exercise and cognition is limited,” the study’s authors wrote.
In the study, 30 female undergraduate students completed three cognitive tests during three visits.
Before the first test, they did not perform any exercise. Before the second test, they completed 20 minutes of Hatha yoga, and before the third, they completed 20 minutes of aerobic exercise.
After exercising, the participants completed simple tests on a computer screen that measured memory among other factors. The participants performed significantly better on the cognitive tests after yoga in comparison to aerobic and baseline assessments, said Neha Gothe, one of the study’s authors.
May Ko, a 24-year-old first-year doctor of nursing practice student at UF, has realized the long-term benefits of yoga.
“I have more energy, and I feel better health-wise overall,” she said. “My posture is better. I am generally happier.”
The study suggests it may be beneficial to practice yoga directly before a task where brainpower is needed.
“Yoga is a mind-body activity, and clearly there is something about its practice that leads to better cognition and thinking immediately after its practice,” Gothe said.
A version of this story ran on page 8 on 10/22/2013 under the headline "Study: Yoga betters brains"
