Effects On Exercise Intensity Associated With Catecholamine Dynamics And Changes In Mood During Yoga Session

Abstract

The exercise intensity of Vinyasa yoga has been established to meet the criteria for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity reported in an ACSM Position Stand. Little is known about the effects of a single bout of Vinyasa yoga on the sympathetic nervous system and mood in beginners. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of a single bout of Vinyasa yoga on exercise intensity, catecholamine dynamics, and mood. METHODS: A 60-minute yoga session for beginners consisted of Vinyasa as the main component (34 minutes), with warm-up and cool-down exercises from Hatha Yoga. Sixteen healthy beginners (8 women, 8 men) performed exercise while wearing breath gas masks and heart rate monitors. Measures were mean metabolic equivalents (METs), oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Catecholamine dynamics were measured at pre- and post-rest, and at 55 minutes into the session. Pleasure was assessed using the Two-dimensional Mood Scale (TDMS) prior to the session and after the session. T-tests and analysis of variance were performed for analyses. RESULTS: Mean values across the entire yoga session for METs, HR, and RPE were 3.4 (± 0.5) METS; 100.8 (± 11.2) bpm; and 10.6 (± 1.7); respectively. Although maximal oxygen consumption was significantly lower in women subjects compared with men subjects, there were no significant differences in METs during the yoga session. A single bout of yoga caused a significant increase in circulating plasma norepinephrine levels (pre; 270 ± 146 pg/mL, post; 318 ± 140 pg/mL, p < 0.05), but not epinephrine or dopamine levels. Vitality and stability in the TDMS subscales were significantly increased following yoga (p < 0.01), suggesting that a single bout of yoga improved mood status. CONCLUSION: A light to moderate-intensity yoga session for beginners, which meets the ACSM criteria, is sufficient to affect sympathetic nervous system activity. Additionally, increased pleasure scores indicated improved mood.