Measurement of the effect of Isha Yoga on cardiac autonomic nervous system using short-term heart rate variability.
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Date
2012-04
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Abstract
Background: Benefi cial effects of Yoga have been postulated to be due to modulation of the autonomic nervous system.
Objective: To assess the effect of Isha Yoga practices on cardiovascular autonomic nervous system through short-term heart
rate variability (HRV). Design of the Study: Short-term HRV of long-term regular healthy 14 (12 males and 2 females) Isha
Yoga practitioners was compared with that of age- and gender-matched 14 (12 males and 2 females) non-Yoga practitioners.
Methods and Materials: ECG Lead II and respiratory movements were recorded in both groups using Polyrite during supine
rest for 5 min and controlled deep breathing for 1 minute. Frequency domain analysis [RR interval is the mean of distance
between subsequent R wave peaks in ECG], low frequency (LF) power, high frequency (HF) power, LF normalized units
(nu), HF nu, LF/HF ratio] and time domain analysis [Standard Deviation of normal to normal interval (SDNN), square of mean
squared difference of successive normal to normal intervals (RMSSD), normal to normal intervals which are differing by 50
ms (NN50), and percentage of NN50 (pNN50)] of HRV variables were analyzed for supine rest. Time domain analysis was
recorded for deep breathing. Results: Results showed statistically signifi cant differences between Isha Yoga practitioners
and controls in both frequency and time domain analyses of HRV indices, with no difference in resting heart rate between
the groups. Conclusions: Practitioners of Isha Yoga showed well-balanced benefi cial activity of vagal efferents, an overall
increased HRV, and sympathovagal balance, compared to non-Yoga practitioners during supine rest and deep breathing.
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Keywords
Cardiovascular ANS, heart rate variability, Isha Yoga
Citation
Muralikrishnan Krishanan, Balakrishnan Bhavani, Balasubramanian Kabali, Visnegarwala Fehmida. Measurement of the effect of Isha Yoga on cardiac autonomic nervous system using short-term heart rate variability. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2012 Apr-June; 3(2): 91-96.