Alterations of auditory middle latency evoked potentials during yogic consciously regulated breathing and attentive state of mind.
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.
Telles
S
S
Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India.
Joseph
C
C
Venkatesh
S
S
Desiraju
T
T
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology; D005072:Evoked Potentials, Auditory / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology*; D013788:Thalamus / Q000502:physiology; D015013:Yoga