Background: A combination of yoga breathing techniques including high frequency yoga breathing practiced over 12 weeks resulted in improved performance in trail making test (TMT). However it is not studied whether a brief session of yoga breathing techniques will cause similar results in TMT performance.

Aims: This study intended to assess the effect of a brief session of high frequency yoga breathing or breath awareness separately on the TMT performance.

Settings and Design: Self as control study.

Methods and Material: Fifty three participants (aged between 18 and 46 years; group average 26.0 (SD = 7.3) years; all males were recruited in north India. They were randomly assigned to three sessions on three separate days at the same time of the day. These were HFYB or BAW or Quiet sitting (QS). Both parts, A and B of the TMT, with the STAI-S were determined before and after each session.

Statistical Analysis used: Analyses were repeated measures ANOVA, with post-hoc multiple comparisons carried out using SPSS Version 18. There were 2 within-subject factors: (i) Sessions (HFYB, BAW and QS) and (ii) States (before and after).

Results: Following the HFYB session TMT-A time reduced (P = 0.001). After BAW TMT-B time reduced (P = 0.01), and the STAI-S scores also decreased (P = 0.01). Both voluntarily regulated yoga breathing techniques, i.e., HFYB and BAW improved the performance in the TMT. HFYB improved psychomotor speed and ability to keep attention sustained while visually scanning the worksheet.

Conclusions: BAW improved flexibility in thinking, working memory and shifting strategies, while reducing state anxiety.