Impact of Yoga Training on Oxidative Stress: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress, a critical health parameter, occurs because of an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants and resulting in the onset of chronic diseases. Yoga is being used widely as a complementary medicine, recognized for its preventive effects on age-related chronic diseases, but the underlying effects in relation to oxidative stress are not well known. Aim: The current research aimed to find the impact of yoga training on oxidative stress by assessing the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP), and Free radical scavenging capacity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) assay. Method: Thirty sedentary university students with an average age of 23.93±1.73 years were selected and randomly allocated into control (n=15) and experimental (n=15) group. The study employed a pre-test post-test random group design, with the 12-week yoga treatment given to the experimental group while the other group serves as control. The training program consisted of asana (body postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and relaxation exercises. The blood samples were collected in fasting conditions at the beginning and end of the intervention to measure the level of oxidative stress biomarkers. Results and Conclusion: At baseline, statistically insignificant differences were found in the level of oxidative stress level and demographic characteristics in both groups. After the training intervention, in only experimental group statistically significant changes were observed in the level of oxidative stress biomarkers (p<0.05). The results of the study suggest that integration of yoga practice may have beneficial effect in advancing health and wellness into the lives of college students.