Correspondence
G.V. Lathadevi,
Associate professor, Department of Physiology,
PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (PSGIMS & R),
Coimbatore – 641 004, India.
Phone: 9344851415, Fax: 0422 2594400
Office phone: 0422 2570170 [ext.5809]
E-mail: lathadeviphysio@yahoo.co.in

Background and objectives: Pranayama (breathing exercise) can produce different physiological responses in healthy individuals. The effect of the non-conventional yogic intervention, ujjayi pranayama and shavasana in modulating the cardiovascular functions, were assessed in 60 healthy male adults.

Methods: 60 subjects were divided into two groups of 30 each (Group I and GroupII). Group I was given training in ujjayi pranayama and shavasana. Ujjayi pranayama is a slow deep inspiration followed by slow deep expiration, with breathholding in between. Shavasana- the patients lie supine, with all the muscles being totally relaxed. The following cardiovascular parameters like the heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SP) and diastolic blood pressure (DP) were recorded. The PP (pulse pressure) mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the rate pressure product (RPP) were calculated. All the above parameters were measured before and after 6 weeks of ujjayi pranayama and shavasana. Group II served the control group and the results which were obtained was analyzed statistically.

Results: Ujjayi pranayama and shavasana produced a significant decrease in the HR, SP, DP, PP, MAP and RPP after 6 weeks of yoga training, with a p value of < 0.0001. No significant changes were observed in the Group II subjects. Interpretation and conclusion: A short term pranayama practice for six weeks improved the para-sympathetic (vagal) functions which suppressed the sympathetic activity, thus denoting the para-sympathetic dominance on the cardiovascular system. This breathing exercise can also relieve stress, and it can also be practiced by hypertensive patients as a complimentary therapy with drug therapy.

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