Original Research Article
Year: 2016 | Month: December | Volume: 6 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 91-96
Impact of Slow Breathing Pranayama on Heart Rate Variability
Garg S1, Chandla SS2
1Demonstrator, Department of Physiology, SHKM Government Medical College, Nalhar Mewat 122107 India.
2Professor, Department of Physiology, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS Rohtak 124001 India.
Corresponding Author: Garg S
ABSTRACT
Background: Yoga is ancient heritage of India that has given man the answers to his spiritual and holistic search for perfect health and well-being. Pranayama, the fourth limb of ashtanga yoga, plays a significant role in maintaining the autonomic functions of an individual. In today’s world of cut throat competition everyone is striving hard to live a natural, healthy and stress free life. Pranayama is a simple and easier way through which one can reduces all his stress, tension and live a healthier disease free life.
Aim: To elucidate the effect of slow breathing pranayama on sympatho-vagal balance.
Material and methods: The study included thirty medical students both male and female of age group 17-21 years. Students practiced anulom-vilom pranayama twenty five minutes daily for three months. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is measured before, at 6 weeks and at 12weeks of pranayama practice. Parameters included in the study were High Frequency Component (HF), Low Frequency Component (LF) and LF/HF
Results: There occurs a significant increase (p value <.01) in HF component and significant decrease (p value<.01) is observed in LF component and LF/HF.
Conclusion: Anulom-Vilom pranayama plays a significant role in improving the various cardio-vascular functions of an individual. Thus helps in improving the quality of life.
Key words: HF, HRV, LF, LF/HF, Pranayama.