The Effect of Hatha yoga exercises training on executive functions (attention, concentration and working memory) of students with writing disorders

One of the characteristics of children with learning disabilities is the impaired executive function components. The aim of the present study is to examine the Effects of Hatha yoga exercises training on the executive functions (attention, concentration and working memory) of students with writing disorders.
The research used a Quasi-experimental method. The study sample consisted of 30 elementary students from second and third grade with writing disorders. Using cluster random sampling thirty students were selected and were divided into experimental and control groups. The tools applied included: Wechsler memory sub scales, Stroop test and Wisconsin test. The experimental group took part in an 8 session Hatha yoga intervention class. For data analysis, multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used.
The research results showed that Hatha yoga training improves attention and concentration in children with writing disorders (p=0.01), but did not have a great impact on working memory (p=0.01).
Teaching Hatha yoga exercises has been effective in improving Executive functions of students with writing disorder. Therefore it can be concluded that teaching Hatha yoga exercise can be used to overcome student's writing disorders.