Effect of short-term breathing exercise practice on cognitive function in chronic mobile phone users

ABSTRACT

Background: A widespread use of mobile phones among adolescents is of leading concern regarding common physical and emotional problems ranging from insomnia, headache, earache, problems in concentration, and fatigue. It is important to study the possible negative health effects of chronic mobile phone usage. Objectives: The objectives were to study the effect of 6 weeks of breathing exercise training on cognitive function in chronic mobile phone users. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 healthy volunteers (30 females and 30 males) who use mobile phones for >4 h/day for 1 year were included in the study. Breathing exercise training was given to them for 15 min in two sessions per day for 5 days in a week for a total period of 6 weeks under our direct supervision. Cognitive function parameters such as trail making A (s), tail making B (s), digit span, letter cancellation commissions, omissions, and letter cancellation time (s) were recorded before and after 6 weeks of the study period. Results: Average age of the male and female volunteers was 19.9 + 1.18 and 19.5 + 1.07, respectively. There was a significant decrease in trail making A and B (P < 0.001) and letter cancellation omissions and time (s) (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) among the male volunteers. In female volunteers, trail making A and B (P < 0.05) and letter cancellation omissions and time (s) (P < 0.01) were significantly decreased. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in forward digit span (P < 0.001) in both male and female volunteers. Conclusion: Results of our study indicate that regular practice of breathing exercises for even short duration like 6 weeks improves autonomic functions and reduces stress which, in turn, improves cognitive functions.