Alterations of auditory middle latency evoked potentials during yogic consciously regulated breathing and attentive state of mind

Author: Telles S//Joseph C//Venkatesh S//Desiraju T
Affiliation:
Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India
Conference/Journal: Int J Psychophysiol
Date published: 1993
Other: Volume ID: 14 , Issue ID: 3 , Pages: 189-98 , Word Count: 139


Middle latency auditory-evoked potentials (AEP-MLRs) of 10 healthy male subjects in the age range of 21-33 years, were assessed to determine whether yogic pranayamic practice would cause changes in them. The pranayama type assessed here is an exercise of consciously-controlled rhythmic breathing involving timed breath-holding in each cycle of breathing, while the subject holds utmost attention and experiences the touch of inhaled air in the nasal passage. The results revealed that the Na-wave amplitude increased and latency decreased during the period of pranayamic practice, whereas the Pa-wave was not significantly altered. The change is interpreted as an indication of a generalized alteration cause in information processing at the primary thalamo-cortical level during the concentrated mental exercise of inducing modifications in neural mechanisms regulating a different functional system (respiratory). Further researches are required to understand the operational significances of such changes.

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