Measurement of the effect of Isha Yoga on cardiac autonomic nervous system using short-term heart rate variability

Abstract

Background:Beneficial effects of Yoga have been postulated to be due to modulation of the autonomic nervous system.Objective:To assess the effect of Isha Yoga practices on cardiovascular autonomic nervous system through short-term heart rate variability (HRV).Design of the Study:Short-term HRV of long-term regular healthy 14 (12 males and 2 females) Isha Yoga practitioners was compared with that of age- and gender-matched 14 (12 males and 2 females) non-Yoga practitioners.Methods and Materials:ECG Lead II and respiratory movements were recorded in both groups using Polyrite during supine rest for 5 min and controlled deep breathing for 1 minute. Frequency domain analysis [RR interval is the mean of distance between subsequent R wave peaks in ECG], low frequency (LF) power, high frequency (HF) power, LF normalized units (nu), HF nu, LF/HF ratio] and time domain analysis [Standard Deviation of normal to normal interval (SDNN), square of mean squared difference of successive normal to normal intervals (RMSSD), normal to normal intervals which are differing by 50 ms (NN50), and percentage of NN50 (pNN50)] of HRV variables were analyzed for supine rest. Time domain analysis was recorded for deep breathing.Results:Results showed statistically significant differences between Isha Yoga practitioners and controls in both frequency and time domain analyses of HRV indices, with no difference in resting heart rate between the groups.Conclusions:Practitioners of Isha Yoga showed well-balanced beneficial activity of vagal efferents, an overall increased HRV, and sympathovagal balance, compared to non-Yoga practitioners during supine rest and deep breathing.

Effect on Time Domain Parameters of HRV after Slow Breathing Exercise in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…The significant increase of post exercise value of mean R-R interval, SDNN, RMSSD was observed in this study which is consistent with findings of other researchers in healthy subjects after practicing yoga 23,24 . But some researchers reported about no significant change after breathing exercise in both healthy subjects and diseased condition 12,15,19,25 .…”

“…But some researchers found no significant change after breathing exercise in both healthy subjects and diseased condition 12,15,[22][23] .…”

Effects of various Prāṇāyāma on cardiovascular and autonomic variables

“…Imbalances in these lead to cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, ischemia, infarction, etc., Numerous studies indicate a strong association between compromised ANS (e.g., decreased vagal activity or increased sympathetic activity) and sudden and non-sudden cardiac death. [1]…”

“…[2] Lifestyle modifications are important factors in the treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of cardiovascular disorders. [1] Yoga is one of the best lifestyle modifications and an ancient vedic science thought to have originated in India in 5000 BC which is being applied in the field of therapeutics. [34] It includes practice of specific posture ( āsana ), regulated breathing ( Prāṇāyāma) etc., Breath is the dynamic bridge between body and mind and Prāṇāyāma is one of the most important yogic practices.…”

Poincare indices for analyzing meditative heart rate signals

“…[14] Recently, evaluation of the higher-order spectra of HR patterns has shown that not only there are significant differences in them between rest and meditation, but also they are influenced by different types of meditation. [15] Muralikrishnan et al [16] investigated the effects of Isha Yoga on cardiac ANS activity. They found that the Isha Yoga practitioners had a well-balanced activity of vagal efferents, an enhanced HRV, and sympathovagal balance, compared to non-practitioners.…”