Effects of yoga-based interventions on cognitive function in healthy older adults: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review examined six randomized controlled trials on yoga's impact on cognitive functions in healthy older adults. Four studies reported improvements in memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functions. The benefits were attributed to yoga's combination of physical postures, breathing, and meditation. However, the studies varied widely in yoga styles, duration, and intensity, making comparisons difficult. The overall risk of bias was high due to methodological inconsistencies, small sample sizes, and lack of blinding. Despite these limitations, the review highlights yoga as a promising intervention to support cognitive health in aging populations, warranting further research with robust designs.

Practice yoga three times a week for 60–90 minutes, combining physical poses, breathing exercises, and meditation to support cognitive functions such as memory and attention. Hatha yoga is a good starting point. While current research suggests potential benefits for older adults, methodological limitations in existing studies mean results should be interpreted cautiously. Larger, long-term trials are needed to confirm these findings.