Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF EFFECT OF YOGA ON HYPERTENSION

Namdev D. P., Rajak Chanda*, Pathak S., Awasthi Prateek P., Rampalliwar S., Singh Sudhir

ABSTRACT

Background: Hypertension is a major global problem which is exacerbated by stress. The prevalence of stress is increasing day by day. One way to control stress is through mind-body relaxation therapies. Yoga is a mind-body relaxation technique that has been used as preventative and therapeutic tool. The behavioral approaches recommended for blood pressure reduction are stress reduction, increased exercise and good dietary habits. Some study findings suggest that yoga has a beneficial effect in reducing blood pressure. Objective: The aim of present study was to assess the effect of yoga on cardiovascular function in individuals with diagnosed hypertension. Material and Method: The study group comprised 30 adult individuals aged between 21 – 60 years with clinically diagnosed hypertension. Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure, Pulse rate, Heart rate were recorded initially and all individuals were subjected to yoga than Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure, Pulse rate, Heart rate were recorded again which were significantly modulated, statistically by using student’s t test. Result: It was observed that significant reduction in the Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure, Pulse rate and Heart rate occurs in subjects practicing yoga for three months regularly (P<0.001). Conclusion: We concluded that regular yoga (Yogic exercises, Pranayama and Meditation) causes reduction in values of Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure, Pulse rate, Heart rate thus yogic practice can be used as an intervention in adult persons to reduce the morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: Pulse, Heart rate, Blood pressure, Yoga, Hypertension.