Effect of 8-Weeks Yogic Practices on the Hematological Variables and Lipid Profile of Sportsmen

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to study the effect of 8-week Yogic practices on hematological variables and lipid profile of university level sports persons. Methods: Pretest and posttest design was used. Experimental group (N = 10) allowed to undergo yogic practices for 8 weeks (six days a week), while control group (N = 10) maintained their daily routine activities. The selected Hematological variables that is White Blood Cells and Red Blood Cells and Lipid profile that is High Density Lipoprotein and Low Density Lipoprotein were examined by laboratory tests. For the analysis of data paired ‘t’ test was applied. Findings: There was insignificant reduction of white blood cells in experimental group [pretest value (8.69 x 109/L) and posttest value (8.66 x 109/L)], but the numbers of red blood cells has significantly improved in experimental group [pretest value (4.46 x 1012/L) and posttest value (4.59 x 1012/L)] after 8 week yogic training (P<0.05). With the yogic practices high density lipoprotein has also significantly improved in experimental group [pretest value (37 mg/dl) and posttest value (55.40 mg/dl)] at (P<0.05). The low density lipoprotein has shown significant decrease in experimental group [pretest value (98.50 mg/dl) and posttest value (89.30 mg/dl)] after 8 week yogic training (P<0.05.) From the results, it can be predicted that, yoga practice is a cost-effective method which can be helpful to improve performance in sportsperson, especially in endurance sports. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that yogic practices enhance the Red blood cells and high density lipoprotein level and help to decrease the low density lipoprotein level among the sportsmen.