Integrated yoga changes attention, motor, and mental function in expecting mothers: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a natural phenomenon associated with several changes including attention, learning motor function, and other psychological domains. Substantial evidence shows that decreased cognitive function and increased anxiety levels during pregnancy affect the day-to-day activities of pregnant women. Scientific investigations on yoga reported enhancement of cognition and improvement of mental health. Objective: The present study was planned to explore the effect of integrated yoga (IY) on attention, motor speed, and mental speed among expecting mothers. Materials and Methods: Total 96 expected mothers aged between 20 and 35 years and having 18­20 weeks of gestation were recruited for the study and randomized into the yoga group and control group. The yoga group practiced IY and the control group practiced standard exercise. Pre- and posttests were done at the baseline and at 36th week. Results: The result showed a significant improvement in divided attention (p < 0.001), focused attention (p < 0.001), sustained attention (p < 0.001), mental speed (p < 0.001), and motor speed (p < 0.001) in the yoga group. There was also improvement in the control group, but Mann­Whitney U-test revealed that the magnitude of change in the yoga group was higher than the control group. Conclusion: This study showed that integrated antenatal yoga starting from the second trimester helps in improving cognitive functions among expecting mothers.

Keywords

• attention
• cognition
• expecting mothers
• motor speed
• yoga