Abstract
Introduction: Cardiovascular autonomic functions are affected by the negative influences of stress which bring about alterations in heart rate variability (HRV). Yoga based relaxation techniques like Yoga Nidra have been found to relieve stress as shown by improved HRV. This study was conducted to assess the immediate effects of a yoga based guided relaxation technique, Yoga Nidra on HRV parameters in young and healthy volunteers.
 Methods: This was an interventional study conducted in the Department of Clinical Physiology, Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj. Fifty two male medical students were divided into supine rest group (n=26) and Yoga Nidra group (n=26). HRV indices were recorded before and after supine rest and Yoga Nidra. Intra-group and inter-group comparisons of the HRV parameters were done before and after the interventions.
 Results: In comparison to the supine rest, Yoga Nidra produced significant increase in values of HF (1460.72 Vs 3272.99; p=0.03) and HFnu (50.32 Vs 62.68; p=0.004); and significant reduction in the values of LFnu (49.68 Vs 37.32; p=0.004) and LF:HF ratio (0.99 Vs 0.59; p=0.004), which suggested that the parasympathetic modulating response of Yoga Nidra was better than that of supine rest.
 Conclusion: Yoga Nidra, a yoga based relaxation technique brings better relaxation response than supine rest as indicated by the significantly improved HRV indices.
Highlights
Heart rate is influenced by various physical, emotional and cognitive activities.[1]
A total of 52 young and apparently healthy male students from first and second year were recruited for the study by convenient sampling technique and were allocated into two groups with 26 participants in each: supine rest group undergoing non-yogic supine rest and Yoga Nidra group undergoing guided Yoga Nidra relaxation technique
The resting pulse rates, systolic blood pressures and diastolic blood pressure of the supine rest group and Yoga Nidra group were within the normal physiological ranges and the mean values did not show statistically significant difference
Summary
Heart rate is influenced by various physical, emotional and cognitive activities.[1]. Induced stress have been found to alter HRV variables. HRV can be used for assessing psychological health and stress of individuals.[5] With the advent of digital signal processing systems, it has been possible to quantify the balance in autonomic nervous system (ANS) by the measures of HRV.[6]. Cardiovascular autonomic functions are affected by the negative influences of stress which bring about alterations in heart rate variability (HRV). Yoga based relaxation techniques like Yoga Nidra have been found to relieve stress as shown by improved HRV. This study was conducted to assess the immediate effects of a yoga based guided relaxation technique, Yoga Nidra on HRV parameters in young and healthy volunteers
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