Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing on Cardiovascular Parameters in Obese Young Adults

Abstract

Obesity is common problem in young adults of high socioeconomic status. In association with stress, it predisposes them at a high risk for development of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases at a very young age. Alternate nostril breathing (ANB) is a pranayama yogic exercise, deemed to relieve stress and related disorders. Present study was conducted to assess the effect of alternate nostril breathing on cardiovascular parameters in obese young adults belonging to high socioeconomic status. Sixty asymptomatic healthy male subjects, aged 25–35 years, participated voluntarily in the present study. Based on BMI, subjects were divided into two groups. Group -A comprised of non-obese subjects (BMI 30). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded by using automatic digital sphygmomanometer before and after Alternate Nostril Breathing (ANB) exercise of 15 minutes. Data obtained were analyzed using paired t-test. Statistically significant decrement was observed in all cardiovascular parameters viz. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) after ANB exercise in both groups A & B. However decrease in all these parameters was more significant in obese subjects of group –B.