Effect of yogic relaxation practices on reaction time

Background: Asanas or posture practice brings mental stability and fickleness of mind can be also prevented. Studies showed effects of different yoga on reaction time but there is very limited study to show effects of yogic relaxation practices only on reaction time. Aim and Objectives: This study was conducted to find out after effects of yogic relaxation practices on physiological parameters and reaction time comparing it with age matched control group. Materials and Methods: We included 18 participants of age 18–45 years each in yoga group (31.94 ± 7.64) and control group (31.39 ± 6.84). Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Institute Ethics Committee and All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Data (blood pressure [BP], pulse rate, respiratory rate, visual, and auditory reaction time) were collected before and after 3rd week of yogic relaxation practices (shavasan and makrasan) in yoga group; likewise, data were collected without yogic relaxation practices in control group. Results: The gain score of the studied parameters was negative (<0) for yoga group, but positive (>0) for controls, indicates that yoga intervention resulted reduction in the values of yoga group. Result showed that change in studied parameters due to yoga intervention was statistically significant more in cases of yoga group to the change in control group with exception of RR and pulse rate. Parameters were comparable or similar between the two groups on baseline, we found statistically significant lower values for BP, visual, and auditory reaction time on 3rd week in yoga group. Conclusion: The beneficial effect of reduction in visual and auditory reaction time after practicing yogic relaxation can be applied to training curriculum.