Effect of Pranayama on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Premenstrual Syndrome

Abstract

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) also called PMT or premenstrual tension refers to the cyclic recurrence of a combination of distressing physical, psychological or behavioural changes, during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. It is suggested that there is altered autonomic activity in the late luteal phase of their endometrial cycle. Practice of breathing exercises like pranayama is known to improve autonomic function by changing sympathetic or parasympathetic activity. AIMThe aim of study was to investigate the role of pranayama on blood pressure and heart rate in premenstrual syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODSIn this study, 50 females suffering from premenstrual syndrome between the age group 18-45 years having 28 to 34 days regular menstrual cycle were taken as subjects. In all the subjects, a baseline recording of heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure was done. Subjects were divided into 2 groups (Group A-control group, Group B-study group); subjects in group B underwent 3 months pranayama training. After 3 months, recording of HR, SBP, DBP in both the groups was again done. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThis study suggests that subjects in Group B have better control over their symptoms associated with PMS. We observed that in Group B, parameters showed a significant reduction when compared with their basal levels. Also the subjects in Group B showed significant reduction in high basal sympathetic activity in comparison with Group A.

Effect of Walking on Physiological Stress in Premenstrual Syndrome:A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…These results indicated the favorable effect of breathing exercises with or without walking program on decreasing resting HR in females having PMS. These results are consistent with studies that found a significant reduction in HR in PMS females after 3 months of breathing exercises practice in the form of pranayama (30,31). Females with PMS have sympathovagal imbalance with shifting of autonomic balance in favor of sympathetic activity and these females are unable to cope up with stressful situations.…”