Effect of 6 weeks pranava yoga training on cardiovascular parameters in prehypertensive young adults

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is the major problem in developing countries. Blood pressure is usually maintained in a range by various regulatory mechanisms involving hormones, nervous system, and other local factors. Any rise in blood pressure above the normal range for a prolonged period is labeled as hypertension which is usually preceded by high normal blood pressure known as prehypertension. Various aerobic exercises and yoga may be beneficial in prehypertensive people. Of many yogic exercises, pranava yoga seems to be simplest. Pranava yoga involves chanting of word “Aum.” Aims and Objectives: Aim of the study was to find out the effect of 6 weeks Pranava yoga training on cardiovascular parameters of prehypertensive young adults. Materials and Methods: Subjects were divided into two groups of 30 each. Group A (control group) comprised normotensive subjects and Group B comprised prehypertensive subjects. Cardiovascular parameters were recorded using impedance cardiovasograph and mercury sphygmomanometer. After training of pranava yoga, subjects of Group B practiced it for 15 min daily for 6 weeks. All parameters were recorded in both groups before and after 6 weeks pranava yoga practice. Statistical analysis was done by one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests. Results: Results showed that in comparison to Group A, all cardiovascular parameters were significantly higher (P 0.05) after 6 weeks training of pranava yoga. Conclusion: Results indicate a significant improvement in cardiovascular parameters in prehypertensive subjects after 6 weeks practice of pranava yoga.