The effect of mindfulness meditation on working memory: An observational study in MBBS students of RVM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Siddipet, Telangana

An 8-week mindfulness meditation practice, done in everyday settings without extensive training or supervision, improved working memory in MBBS students. A group of 50 students was split into test and control groups; the test group practiced regular mindfulness meditation while the control group maintained their usual routine. Working memory, measured by a visual memory test, showed a statistically significant improvement in the test group compared to both their own baseline and the control group. The findings suggest that even short-term, unsupervised mindfulness meditation can enhance working memory.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background: Meditation is a practice that has been shown to improve calmness, enhance attention, and produce a focused mind. Mindfulness is the quality of being fully engaged with whatever we are doing, being free from distraction. Students nowadays are stressed due to increasing competition relating to their academic performance and career building which, in turn, affects their performance and mental health. Most studies which show that mindfulness meditation improves focus, attention, or memory were done under supervision in serene environment away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Our study aimed to see whether some benefit of such practice could also be attained in our everyday life settings when done for a short time and without much training or supervision. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of short-term mindfulness meditation on working memory in MBBS students using visual memory test and compare with a control group. Materials and Methods: Total 50 students were taken and divided into two groups-test and control. A baseline measurement of their working memory by visual memory test was done. A similar test was repeated after 8 weeks of regular mindfulness meditation exercise in the test group while the control group continued with their previous routine. The results were compared with their previous performance as well as with the control group using student t-test. Results: The recorded changes were analyzed for statistical significance. The results showed statistically significant improvement in the score of test group (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Our study showed that a period of 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation was helpful in improving working memory. By practicing mindfulness meditation, we train our mind to concentrate on the present moment, leaving aside our problems, worries, and stresses. This regular practice may improve brain network training which results in improvement in working memory. [Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol 2023; 13(9.000): 1879-1882]