EFFECTS OF 12-WEEK YOGA-BASED LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION ON METABOLIC SYNDROME Z-SCORE, BODY COMPOSITION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN INDIAN ADULTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME

Abstract

Objective: The study evaluated the effect 12-week yoga-based lifestyle intervention (YBLI) on continuous metabolic syndrome (Met S) z-score, body fat percentage and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults having Met S. Design and method: In this prospective, single-arm, lifestyle intervention study 54 adults with metabolic syndrome (as per Joint Interim Statement, 2009) were assigned to pretested 12-week YBLI intervention. It consisted of asanas, pranayama, relaxation techniques, lectures, group support, dietary advice under supervision for ∼2 hrs/day for 2 week followed by continuation of the practices at home for subsequent 10 weeks. Outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention and included: Met S z-score calculated by summing the standardized values for cardio-metabolic risk factors, body fat percentage assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and HRQOL assessed using WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Results: Subjects showed (mean age 38.1 ± 5.6 years) significant reduction in Met S z-score {0.3 ± 2.4 vs. -1.3 ± 2.4, p < 0.01) and body fat percentage (32.3 ± 54.3 vs. 31.5 ± 5.5, p < 0.01) from baseline to week 12. Significant improvement was found in the domains of the HRQOL i.e. physical (64.4 ± 14.7 vs. 77.3 ± 12.7, p < 0.01); psychological (61.0 ± 16.8 vs. 74.6 ± 12.6 p < 0.01); social (75.9 ± 14.5 vs. 79.6 ± 12.3, p < 0.01) and environmental (66.4 ± 14.3 vs. 75.8 ± 11.6, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Participation in YBLI led to the improvement in cardio-metabolic risk, body fat percentage and HRQOL in Indian adults having Met S.