Immediate Effects of Suryanamaskar on Reaction Time and Heart Rate in Female Volunteers.
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Date
2013-04
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Abstract
Suryanamaskar (SN), a yogic technique is composed of dynamic
muscular movements synchronised with deep rhythmic breathing. As it
may have influence on CNS, this study planned to investigate immediate
effects of SN on reaction time (RT) and heart rate (HR). 21 female volunteers
attending yoga classes were recruited for study group and 19 female
volunteers not participating in yoga were recruited as external-controls.
HR, auditory reaction time (ART) and visual reaction time (VRT) were
recorded before and after three rounds of SN in study group as well as 5
minutes of quiet sitting in both groups. Performance of SN produced
immediate decrease in both VRT and ART (P<0.001). This was significant
when compared to self-control period (P<0.001) and compared to externalcontrol
group, it decreased significantly in ART (p=0.02). This was
pronounced when Δ% was compared between groups (P<0.001). HR
increased significantly following SN compared with both self-control
(p=0.025) and external-control group (p=0.032). Faster reactivity may be
due to intermediate level of arousal by conscious synchronisation of dynamic
movements with breathing. Rise in HR is attributed to sympathetic arousal
and muscular exertion. We suggest that SN may be used as an effective
training means to improve neuro-muscular abilities.
Description
Keywords
yoga, suryanamaskar, reaction time, heart rate
Citation
Bhavanani Ananda Balayogi, Ramanathan Meena, Balaji R, Pushpa D. Immediate Effects of Suryanamaskar on Reaction Time and Heart Rate in Female Volunteers. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2013 Apr-Jun; 57(2): 199-204.