Effect of Simplified Kundalini Yoga Meditation on Engineering Students: An EEG Study

Abstract

Objectives: Meditation influences brain waves. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of Simplified Kundalini Yoga (SKY) meditation on the brain waves of technical college students using the Neurosky mindwave Electroencephalogram (EEG) device. Methods: Eighty-six participants were recruited from an engineering college in South India, with ages ranging from 18 to 19 years. They were divided into the yoga group (43 participants) and the sports group (43 participants). During pre-data collection, students of both groups were asked to sit with closed eyes for 20 minutes. During post-data collection, students in the sports group sat with closed eyes for 20 minutes, and yoga group students performed Thuriya meditation for 20 minutes. Findings: Pre-test and post-test results showed significant differences within sessions in EEG meditation state and Low Alpha state in both groups. After the intervention, the sports group showed a significant difference at the end of the session, whereas the yoga group showed a significant difference at the beginning of the session. At the baseline, there were significant differences between groups in the High Gamma state and within sessions in the Mid Gamma state. In terms of other variables, there was no significant difference in both groups. Novelty: We conclude that the SKY meditation technique can influence the state of mediation, low alpha, high gamma, and mid gamma EEG bands. Sports group have also shown comparable improvements. Hence, meditation and sports activities can be suggested in technical educational institutes for the promotion of positive health. Keywords: SKY Meditation; Engineering; EEG; Neurosky; Mindfulness; Attention