Yoga and Physical Activity: The Effect of Meditation

Abstract

I read with a great interest the article by Buranruk and colleagues (2010) regarding measurements of cardio-respiratory parameters to assess the intensity of physical exercise in healthy adults practicing Thai Yoga. The authors conclude that a 30 minute long Thai Yoga session is commensurate to a very light to light intensity exercise. It is noteworthy that the measured physiological parameters (e.g., heart rate, VO2 max) are the function of the subtle interplay between relaxation techniques aimed at slowing down the metabolic rate by eliciting parasympathetic effect, and physical stimulation that, on the other hand, result in a strong sympathetic response. That is, it can be deduced that the levels of relaxation that one engaged in throughout the Yoga session mediates the effect of physical activity on the physiological parameters. Thus, taking into account the physiological parameters only while discarding the effect of meditation could result in miscalculation of the actual net value of the physical exercise.