Impact of yoga on the cognitive function among desk‐based workers

This study examined how short yoga and pranayama breaks impact cognitive function in desk-based workers during prolonged sitting. Participants performed tasks measuring attention and working memory across three conditions: uninterrupted sitting, pranayama, and yoga breaks. Results showed yoga breaks significantly improved reaction times in attention tasks (Flanker Test) compared to pranayama and sitting, although accuracy remained unchanged. Yoga and pranayama did not significantly affect working memory (N-Back Test). Findings suggest that brief, regular yoga breaks can enhance mental alertness in sedentary work environments, but effects on memory require further study.

Incorporate 3-minute yoga breaks into work hours, repeated hourly, to improve focus and reaction times during prolonged sitting. Include simple movements and mindfulness exercises suitable for office settings. While this study shows promising results for attention, effects on memory are inconclusive, requiring more research. Yoga breaks offer a practical strategy to counteract the cognitive downsides of sedentary work.