Abstract

CINALLI, Fernanda Zanetti et al. Influence of yoga practice on cognitive functioning in normal aging. Psicol. hosp. (São Paulo) [online]. 2008, vol.6, n.2, pp. 88-99. ISSN 2175-3547.

Introduction: Aging may cause cognitive and behavioral alterations. Considering the high rate of aging in Brazilian population, it is important to implement strategies to provide this population with better quality of life. Objective: To investigate the cognitive functioning of healthy elderly practitioners and non-practitioners of Yoga. Method: A total of 20 participants was divided into two groups: practitioners and non-practitioners of Yoga. Results: Based on the analysis of average of percentiles and standard deviations of the two groups’ results concerning evaluated cognitive functions, it appears that there was no significant difference between the performances of the groups. However, the group of practitioners had an average of percentile considerably higher than the other group in immediate recall verbal episodic memory and intellectual functioning. Conclusion: The findings of the study, that indicate an improvement in these functions are supported by the literature

Keywords : Aging; Neuropsychology; Yoga.

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