Background. Few scientific studies have examined movement-based embodied contemplative practices such as yoga
and their effects on cognition. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effects of an 8-week
Hatha yoga intervention on executive function measures of task switching and working memory capacity.
Methods. Community-dwelling older adults (N = 118; mean age = 62.0) were randomized to one of two groups: a
Hatha yoga intervention or a stretching–strengthening control. Both groups participated in hour-long exercise classes 3×/
week over the 8-week study period. All participants completed established tests of executive function including the task
switching paradigm, n-back and running memory span at baseline and follow-up.
R