The Effect of Yoga on Basic Cognitive Functions in Children with ADHD: A Three-Month Follow-up Study

Introduction: Yoga is a form of relaxation and refers to integration of coordinated movements of the body with the mind. It is a mixture of specific physical movements, breathing and mental concentration and many of its movements are used in rehabilitation and physiotherapy. Evidence suggests that yoga can improve several cognitive areas, for instance working memory, attention and behavioral control and a range of executive functions including cognitive flexibility and problem-solving.Objectives: We studied the effect of an 8-week yoga program along with methylphenidate, on the basic cognitive functions of children with ADHD, including attention and working memory, during three months.Methods: Those patients who had not received medication for at least 6 months were randomly divided into the methylphenidate group (n=21), who received only methylphenidate from the beginning to the end of the study, or the methylphenidate + yoga group (n=19), who also participated in an 8-week yoga program. Selective and divided attention, working memory, and plasma concentrations of methylphenidate were assessed at the beginning of the study (pre-test), and one month (post-test) and three months (follow up) after the end of the yoga program in all patients. Results: The results showed that yoga exercise combined with Methylphenidate led to an increase in Working Memory, selective and divided attention. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between plasma concentrations of methylphenidate and basic cognitive functions.Conclusion: It seems that adjusting the dose of methylphenidate as well as the duration of the yoga program can stabilize the improvement. Future studies will shed light on this issue.