Immediate effects of yoga breathing with intermittent breath holding on response inhibition among healthy volunteers

Abstract

Background:There is very little evidence available on the effects of yoga-based breathing practices on response inhibition. The current study used stop-signal paradigm to assess the effects of yoga breathing with intermittent breath holding (YBH) on response inhibition among healthy volunteers.Materials and Methods:Thirty-six healthy volunteers (17 males + 19 females), with mean age of 20.31 ± 3.48 years from a university, were recruited in a within-subject repeated measures (RM) design. The recordings for stop signal task were performed on three different days for baseline, post-YBH, and post yogic breath awareness (YBA) sessions. Stop-signal reaction time (SSRT), mean reaction time to go stimuli (go RT), and the probability of responding on-stop signal trials (p [r/s]) were analyzed for 36 volunteers using RM analysis of variance.Results:SSRT reduced significantly in both YBH (218.33 ± 38.38) and YBA (213.15 ± 37.29) groups when compared to baseline (231.98 ± 29.54). No significant changes were observed in go RT and p (r/s). Further, the changes in SSRT were not significantly different among YBH and YBA groups.Conclusion:Both YBH and YBA groups were found to enhance response inhibition in the stop-signal paradigm. YBH could be further evaluated in clinical settings for conditions where response inhibition is altered.

Evaluation of cardiovascular functions during the practice of different types of yogic breathing techniques

“…Evidence suggests that Kapalbhati increases low-frequency (LF) spectrum of HRV, and LF: HF ratio and reduces high-frequency (HF) spectrum of HRV, indicating increase in sympathetic activity 4 or reduction in parasympathetic activity and arterial baroreflex sensitivity. [ 4 13 3 ] The cardiovascular findings of the study during Kapalbhati are consistent with the previous study findings (i.e., increase in SBP, DBP, and HR). [ 16 ] Thus, the cardiovascular changes during the Kapalbhati practice might be attributed to sympathetic arousal or reduced vagal tone and/or reduced baroreflex sensitivity.…”

“…[ 15 ] Likewise, literature suggests that breath retention leads to increased sympathetic tone in response to hypoxia and hypercapnia. [ 3 ] Results of the present study showed a significant increase in TPR (indicative of a possible sympathetic shift in the autonomic activity)[ 4 ] during Bhramari and Kumbhaka practice. Breathing at the resonant frequency and breath retention has been shown to reduce the circulatory load by improving oxygen saturation and gaseous exchange.…”

“…Brachial artery SBP and DBP were derived from finger arterial pressure using a height correction unit and waveform filtering and level correction methods supplied by the BeatScope software package (Finapres Medical Systems B.V., 184 Netherlands). [ 3 12 ] SV, CO, and TPR were also derived from the standard formula using BeatScope Easy version 2.0 (Smart Medical, Cotswold Business Village, Moreton-in-Marsh, United Kingdom) computer-based program. The data obtained were transformed into a Microsoft Excel sheet for data analysis.…”

“…The yogic breathing techniques (YBTs) involve nostrils manipulation, breathe holding/retention, modification in the pace of breath, production of humming sounds, etc. [ 3 4 ] Different types of YBT have been shown to produce different cardiovascular[ 5 ] and autonomic effects. [ 6 ] Many studies have evaluated the autonomic functions during various yoga practices such as breath awareness, alternate nostril breathing (ANB),[ 7 ] yoga-based–guided relaxation,[ 8 ] and meditative states.…”

Effects of maternity yoga on the autonomic nervous system during pregnancy

“…Focusing on one's own body is purported to improve concentration levels and relieve both tension in the body and mental stress. Several researchers have emphasized the beneficial effects of yoga, attributing them to the modulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) based on their investigations pertaining to heart rate variability (HRV), which is widely used as an indicator of ANS regulation . Furthermore, a study involving adults engaged in computer work reported that levels of salivary amylase (a biomarker of stress) were observed to have significantly decreased in these individuals immediately after practicing yoga .…”