Can The Cognitive Parameters Of College Students With Learning Disabilities Benefit From Using Mahapraan, A Breathing Based Preksha Meditation?

The efficacy of meditation in cognitive improvement is inadequately studied in college students with learning disabilities. Mahapraan, a short technique taught in Preksha Dhyan, is a simple technique that involves repeated deep breathing followed by a long buzzing sound. In this pilot study, we compared cognitive and pulmonary function changes in college students with and without learning disabilities (LD and no-LD respectively).

Methods: Following IRB approval, we recruited 6 LD and 9 no-LD students. The students practiced Mahapraan with a trained instructor 3 times a week for 30 minutes. We assessed Connors Continuous Performance Test II, duration of buzzing sound during prolonged expiration, and peak flow using a Peak Flow meter at baseline and at 4 weeks.

Results: At baseline, the LD students had poorer cognitive function than the no-LD group. Discrimination power as measured by detectability, and the consistency of reaction showed improvement (p<0.05) in LD group. The no-LD students showed significant increase in speed of response. Both groups showed improvement in the duration of buzzing (10/13, 77%), by an average of 6.8 seconds as well as improvements in Peak Expiratory Flow (11/13, 85%), by an average of 107.5 mls (n.s.).

Conclusion: Except for better consistency and improved discrimination in LD from baseline, cognitive tests changes were similar in both groups. We saw improvement in buzzing duration and Peak Expiratory Flow rates in both groups suggesting similar development of technique. Mahapraan shows promise as a simple technique for cognitive improvement and pulmonary function in both LD and no-LD groups.