BACKGROUND: Cognitive inhibition refers to the active suppression of irrelevant cognitive information or processes in working memory, enhancing task performance by maintaining focus on the relevant task at hand. It is a fundamental cognitive function that is crucial for efficient cognitive processing and memory retention. Combination yoga practices are known to shorten cognitive inhibition and improve memory. Pranchakra meditation (PCM) is a new protocol, and this study aims to explore its immediate effect on cognitive inhibition under the Stop Signal Test (SST) paradigm.
OBJECTIVE: The pilot study examines the immediate effect of PCM on inhibitory control using the widely accepted Stop Signal Test (SST) paradigm for furthering research.
METHOD: In a self-as-control study design, eight healthy Bachelor of Naturopathy & Yoga (BNYS) students aged between 19 and 30 years (22.38 ± 3.4 years) were recruited from a medical university in Uttarakhand, India. They received training in PCM. Pre- and post-data in the SST paradigm were collected using the INQUISIT software. Stop‑signal reaction time (SSRT), mean Go trial reaction time (GoRT), and the probability of responding to stop-signal trials [p (r/s)] were analyzed at a significance level of .05.
RESULT: A significant difference was observed between pre- and post-SSRT results.
CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, PCM effectively reduced the SSRT time. Therefore, further studies with a larger sample size are recommended for generalization.
KEYWORDS: Pranchakra meditation, cognitive inhibition, SSRT, yoga, BNYS.
OBJECTIVE: The pilot study examines the immediate effect of PCM on inhibitory control using the widely accepted Stop Signal Test (SST) paradigm for furthering research.
METHOD: In a self-as-control study design, eight healthy Bachelor of Naturopathy & Yoga (BNYS) students aged between 19 and 30 years (22.38 ± 3.4 years) were recruited from a medical university in Uttarakhand, India. They received training in PCM. Pre- and post-data in the SST paradigm were collected using the INQUISIT software. Stop‑signal reaction time (SSRT), mean Go trial reaction time (GoRT), and the probability of responding to stop-signal trials [p (r/s)] were analyzed at a significance level of .05.
RESULT: A significant difference was observed between pre- and post-SSRT results.
CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, PCM effectively reduced the SSRT time. Therefore, further studies with a larger sample size are recommended for generalization.
KEYWORDS: Pranchakra meditation, cognitive inhibition, SSRT, yoga, BNYS.
Dewangan Sumanlata, Singh Kiran
Nov 2025
Alternative therapies in health and medicine