Effects of Yoga on the Efficiency of the Attentional Networks in Competitive Archers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Attention is fundamental to optimal performance in precision sports such as archery. While yoga has consistently been linked to cognitive enhancements, no study has explored its effects on attentional processes in archers. This study evaluated the impact of an 8-week yoga intervention on the Attention Network Test (ANT) outcomes, focusing on the alerting, orienting, and conflict control networks in competitive archers. Methods: This trial enrolled 92 state-level competitive archers aged 12–20 years, randomized into yoga and control groups. The yoga group participated in a 60-min validated yoga module comprising loosening exercises, breathing techniques, asanas, pranayamas, kriyas, meditation, and relaxation, conducted thrice weekly for 8 weeks. The controls continued routine training. The ANT was administered at baseline and post-intervention. Primary outcomes included the efficiencies of the alerting, orienting, and conflict control networks. Secondary outcomes comprised overall accuracy, overall reaction time (RT), and RTs across four cue and three flanker types. Paired t -tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests assessed within-group differences, while repeated measures ANOVA examined between-group differences. Results: Eighty-three participants completed the study (yoga: 43, control: 39). The yoga group exhibited significant improvements in the orienting network (MD = 18.68 [11.69, 25.67], P < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.261), conflict control network (MD =-36.72 [−44.81, −28.62], P < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.505), overall accuracy, RTs across all cue types, and the incongruent flanker condition compared to controls. Within-group differences showed significant improvements in all outcome measures for the yoga group, while the control group exhibited improvements only in certain RTs. Conclusion: The 8-week yoga intervention significantly enhanced the orienting and conflict control networks, highlighting the potential of yoga in improving attention in state-level competitive archers. These preliminary findings suggest that yoga is an effective intervention for managing cognitive and emotional distractions during competitions. Future research should examine these effects in elite archers and explore the mediating role of these networks in the relationship between yoga and archery performance.