Abstract :
Introduction: Psychosocial stress of our modern life precipitates various cardiovascular and other
disorders by distorting basic neuroendocrine mechanism and thus autonomic nervous system. The harmful
effects of these stress on bodily systems can be reduced effectively by enhancing the adaptive mechanisms
of our body that can restore the equilibrium. By giving rest to the mind and body, yoga can shake off many
disorders of psychosocial origin.
Aims and Objectives: 1: To evaluate the effects of yoga on parasympathetic nervous system in yoga
practitioners above the age group of 35 years; 2: To compare the results of parasympathetic function tests
in yoga practitioners with that of non yoga practitioners in the same age group.
Materials and Methods: An observational cross sectional study was carried out in 50 normal yoga
practitioners and 50 normal non yoga practitioners above the age group of 35 years. Yoga practitioners were
selected randomly from different yoga centers in Shimoga. Non yoga practitioners were selected randomly
among non teaching staff of Shimoga institute of medical sciences, Shimoga. The ethical clearance for the
study was obtained from the ethical committee.
Results: In our study, there is significant decrease in the BMI (p=0.013), physiological parameters such
as heart rate (p=0.002), respiratory rate (p=0.001) and blood pressure and in parasympathetic tests there is
significant decrease in valsalva ratio (p=0.005) in yoga practitioners compared to non yoga practitioners.
Conclusion: Observations from our study suggest that regular practice of yoga can bring significant
improvement in the autonomic balance, respiratory performance and wellbeing. It can thus be concluded
that these results would justify the incorporation of yoga as part of lifestyle in prevention of hyper-reactivity
to stress related disorders and age related cardiovascular complications.
Keyword :
Yoga, Autonomic nervous system, Valsalva ratio.