Efficacy of Integrated Yoga and Ayurveda Rasayana on cognitive functions in elderly with mild cognitive impairment: Non-randomized three-arm clinical trial
Authors
Shivaji Chobe
aDivision of Yoga and Life Sciences, Swami Vivekananda Yoga AnusandhanSamsthan (SVYASA University), #19, Eknath Bhavan, Gavipuram Circle, KG Nagar, Bengaluru, 560019, India
Sanjib Patra
bDepartment of Yoga, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandar Sindri, NH-8, Kishangarh Ajmer, 305817, India
Meenakshi Chobe
bDepartment of Yoga, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandar Sindri, NH-8, Kishangarh Ajmer, 305817, India
Kashinath Metri
bDepartment of Yoga, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandar Sindri, NH-8, Kishangarh Ajmer, 305817, India
Yoga and Ayurveda are ancient sciences which emphasize on the cure of disease and the proportion of health. Both sciences are also known to reduce the aging process and are helpful in aging-related disorders.
Objective
This study investigates the effects of Yoga and Ayurveda Rasayana combined intervention on cognition among the elderly with mild cognitive impairment.
Materials and Methods
Seventy-two elderly persons (average age 63.3 ± 6.44 years) received Ayurveda Rasayana (AR) (n = 23) or Integrated Yoga (IY) (n = 25) or combined (IY plus AR) intervention (n = 24) for eight weeks. AR treatment consisted of Brahmi ghrita, and IY consisted of asana, pranayama, meditation, and relaxation techniques. Executive function, verbal fluency, attention, processing speed, short-term and working memory, and learning and verbal memory were assessed at the baseline and after eight weeks.
Results
Within-group analysis shows that there was a significant time main effect (p < 0.05) in all cognitive measures in the three groups (IY, AR, and IY plus AR) except Digit backward test. Bonferroni post hoc test shows a significant difference in pre to post in all variables. In the between-group analysis, there was a substantial group difference for Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning Test- hits, F (2,69) = 4.376 (P < 0.016), Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning Test-Average, F (2,69) = 4.727 (0.012), Digit backward test, F (2,69) = 5.766 (0.005) after eight weeks of intervention.
Conclusion
Both Ayurveda Rasayana and Integrated Yoga intervention were found effective in improving cognitive abilities among the elderly with MCI. Combined Ayurveda Rasayana and Yoga intervention significantly improved learning, attention, processing speed, and working memory compared to individual response among elderly persons with MCI.
Keywords: Memory, Attention, Cognition, Brahmi, Meditation, Pranayama
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