Effects of Yoga on cardiorespiratory profile of young adult indian male participants residing in West Bengal: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Stress-related diseases are becoming the number one killer in the modern age. Aims: The aim of the study is to identify the effects of yoga on cardiorespiratory profile and stress levels of young adult Indian males residing in West Bengal. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional pilot project was conducted after taking institutional ethical clearance and informed consent of the participants. Hundred healthy young adult Indian males in the age group of 18–30 years performing yoga regularly were selected as study population, and hundred age- and sex-matched participants from local population not performing any type of yoga were selected as control. Life event stress and perceived stress scores of the participants were measured using presumptive life event stress scale and perceived stress scale (PSS), respectively. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and lipid profile were analyzed. Anthropometric measurements, resting pulse rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and pulmonary function test were recorded. Unpaired t-test was used to analyze the data. Results: Weight, waist–hip ratio, and body mass index were significantly raised in participants not practicing yoga. Resting pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower in participants practicing yoga. PSS scores were significantly less in participants practicing yoga. FBS, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein level in serum were significantly lower in participants practicing yoga, and high-density lipoprotein value was significantly raised. Duration of QRS complex, P-R interval, Q-T interval, and R-R interval were significantly raised in participants practicing yoga. The amplitude of T-wave and amplitude of S-T segment were significantly lowered in participants practicing yoga. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity values were found to be significantly raised in participants practicing yoga. Conclusions: Perceived stress adversely affects cardiovascular and respiratory profile of healthy young adult males, and regular practice of yoga may decrease perceived stress levels and help in modulating cardiorespiratory profile.