The researchers of this study were Neha P. Gothe from Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at Wayne State University, Arthur F. Kramer from Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and department of psychology at the University of Illinois, and Edward McAuley, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. This study took place at Wayne State University in the Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies in Detroit Michigan.
Background
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week Hatha yoga intervention on executive function measures of task switching and working memory …show more content…
They hypothesized that regular, structured Hatha yoga practice, which included components of physical movements, breathing, and meditation would lead to significant improvements on executive function measures following a 8-week trial in a sample of sedentary healthy community-dwelling older adults.
Participant …show more content…
The outcomes were mean reaction time and accuracy scored on the three members. The participants, after gaining consent, had to complete cognitive assessments and were provided a questionnaire to collect basic demographic information. There were two groups, participants who did Hatha yoga and those who did stretching-strengthening exercise. For both groups, classes me three times a week for an hour over 8-week period. Instructors monitored participants’ attendance.
The yoga group was designed for a beginner, but there was a certified yoga instructor there that led the groups. There were three sessions each week, and each week new postures or breathing and meditative exercises were introduced on Mondays. Wednesday class helped develop the skills that they are already known and reviewed different postures, and Fridays reviewed the week’s material to ensure smooth transitions during the 8 -week programs. The exercise was done barefoot and yoga mats, yoga blocks, and belts were used during each session. Some of the exercises done were warrior pose, easy lotus pose, sun salutations, deep breath exercises like nostril breathing and meditative exercises like thoughts, breath, and mantra