Effect of Integrated Yoga Therapy on Arterial Stiffness: A Pilot Study on Young and Older Adults with Obesity

Abstract

Background/Aims:The studies on the effect of integrated yoga therapy have shown significant results in improving the overall health. However, the effect of integrated yoga therapy on arterial stiffness is not yet established. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of integrated yoga therapy on arterial stiffness measured at the radial artery. Methods: A total of 18 participants were included in the study. The participants were divided into three groups based on their age and body mass index. There were 5 participants in group 1 who were considered as nonobese, 7 younger adults with obesity were included in group 2, and 6 older adults with obesity were included in group 3. A 1-week integrated approach of yoga therapy (IAYT) was given as an intervention to the participants. The pulse data was acquired from participants using Nadi Tarangini at the beginning and end of the yoga program. The stiffness index (SI) and reflection index (RI) were computed from the pulse data. The data were analyzed using the paired-samples t test. Results: There was a significant reduction in SI ( p < 0.05) after IAYT in young participants with obesity. There was a significant reduction in BMI after IAYT in older adults, but the SI was only significantly low in young adults. There were no significant changes in RI after IAYT. Conclusion: The pilot study has shown that arterial stiffness measured at the radial artery using Nadi Tarangini has decreased significantly after 1 week of IAYT in young adults with obesity compared to older adults.