A Comparison on effects of yoga and physical exercise on resting cardio-vascular parameters, breath holding time (BHT) & Respiratory Endurance test

Dr. Sonika Choudhary

Volume : VIII, Issue : XII, December - 2018

A Comparison on effects of yoga and physical exercise on resting cardio-vascular parameters, breath holding time (BHT) & Respiratory Endurance test

Dr. Sonika Choudhary

Abstract :

Background: Health and physical fitness depend highly on cardio–respiratory efficiency of an individual. The comparative study about effects of regular practice of yoga & physical exercise on cardiovascular and respiratory functions is very important to better understand it’s effect on health.

Method: 200 healthy volunteers (146 M; 54 F) from age group (17–26) years were included in the study. They were divided into two groups. Gr A Yoga group (n=100) practiced some yoga exercises including Asanas, Pranayam & relaxation techniques daily one hour for 3 months. While Gr B Physical exercise group (n=100) practiced slow walk, calisthenic exercise & stretching exercises daily 1 hour for 3 months. Following parameters were recorded at start & end of the study. Resting cardiovascular parameters including resting HR, SBP, DBP, PP, MAP, RPP & DoP. Apart from this BHT & 40mmHg endurance test were also recorded.

Result: Yoga group showed significant reduction in heart rate (p<0.01), SBP (p<.05), MAP RPP & DoP (p<.01), while exercise group showed only decreasing trend. Yoga training resulted in improved respiratory functions in the form of increases in the 40 mm Hg test and prolongation of eath holding time (BHT) whereas BHT was found to be increased in exercise group after 3 months of training.

Conclusion: There was definite improvement of cardiorespiratory functions after 3 months of Yoga training.