To study the role of yoga in management of hypertension

Abstract

Objectives : The aim of our study was to determine the role of yoga in management of hypertension. Methods : Of all the patients attending the medicine OPD of LLRM Medical College & S.V.B.P. Hospital, Meerut from July2005 – September 2005, 50 patients of hypertension were selected randomly, including both male and female of age group 21-70 years. They were then divided into 2 groups, study group and control group. One group consisting of twenty five patients was given only Anti-hypertensive treatment (control group) and another group consisting of twenty five patients received yoga therapy daily for half an hour early in the morning under supervision for two months along with their Anti-hypertensive treatment (study group). All the fifty patients included in the study were on lifestyle modification also. Their Blood pressure levels were assessed weekly for a study period of two months and then the data from study and control group was evaluated and compared using unpaired ‘t’test. Results : There was significant reduction in blood pressure levels in the study group compared to the control group. Conclusion : The result supports the hypothesis and the research question that yoga therapy supplement with usual medical care for hypertension is more effective than the usual medical care alone. Therefore, it is recommended that yoga therapy is safe and may be considered in Hypertensive patients as a potential means to lower the blood pressure levels