Impact of Surya Namaskar and Raja Yoga Meditation on Reaction Time in Young Adults: A Comparative Interventional Study
P. Dwivedi, Atosh Kumar, M. Rastogi, Dolly Rastogi, J. Singh, Preeti Kanawjia, Akansha Bansal
International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology June 19, 2026 DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.56s.65 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Interventional, comparative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 140 |
| Population | Healthy first year undergraduate medical students aged 18–25 years |
| Interventions | Surya Namaskar Raja Yoga meditation |
| Duration | 12 weeks, five days per week |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | Surya Namaskar and Raja Yoga meditation independently reduced visual reaction time, with Surya Namaskar showing greater efficacy; combined practice produced no significant change, and controls remained unchanged. |
Abstract
Background: Reaction time is a critical indicator of neurocognitive function and reflects the efficiency of sensory-motor coordination and central nervous system processing. In the current era of sedentary lifestyle and increased psychological stress, there is a growing need for non-pharmacological interventions to enhance cognitive performance. Yogic practices such as Surya Namaskar and Raja Yoga meditation have shown promising effects on physical and mental health, but their comparative and combined effects on reaction time remain inadequately explored.
Objective: To evaluate and compare the effects of Surya Namaskar and Raja Yoga meditation, individually and in combination on visual reaction time among young adults.
Methods: This interventional, comparative study was conducted on 140 healthy first year undergraduate medical students (aged 18– 25 years). They were randomly divided into four groups: Group A practiced Surya Namaskar, Group B Raja Yoga meditation, Group C both Surya Namaskar & Raja Yoga, and Group D serve as a control. The control group did not practice any form of intervention. Interventions were administered for 12 weeks, five days per week. Reaction time was measured using a mobile-based application. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA & statistical significance (p< 0.05) was calculated.
Results: A statistically significant reduction in reaction time was observed in Group A (p<0.001) and Group B (p<0.01). Group C showed no significant change, while the control group remained unchanged. Between-group analysis using ANOVA demonstrated significant differences (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Surya Namaskar and Raja Yoga meditation independently improve reaction time, with Surya Namaskar showing greater efficacy. Combined intervention did not produce additional benefits, suggesting the need for optimized protocol design. These findings support the incorporation of yoga into daily routines for enhancing neurocognitive performance