Efficacy of Yoga for COVID-19 Stress Prophylaxis

Yoga for Psychophysiological Wellbeing during Menstrual Phases in Eumenorrheic Females

Hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle (MC) cause autonomic imbalances and psycho-physiological distress in eumenorrheic females. This present study reveals that yoga proactively improves the overall psychophysiological health and wellness in eumenorrheic female college students during different phases of MC. Healthy eumenorrheic female college students (Mage= 20.11 ± 5.39 years, n = 82) were randomized to a control and yoga group (n = 41). A well-conceptualized yoga module (CYM) for 5 days/week for 3 months (1 h daily in the morning) was practiced by the yoga group volunteers. Intra and intergroup comparisons were performed for the estimation of mindfulness awareness scale (MAAS), menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ), cardiometabolic risk factors, heart rate variability (HRV), and endurance fitness during the luteal (LP) and follicular (FP) phases. Psychophysiological discomforts before CYM practice were mostly observed during LP compared to FP due to significant changes in mindfulness, pain, concentration, autonomic reactivity, negative affect, double product (DoP), rate pressure product (RPP), and HRV values. CYM practice influenced HRV parameters for an increase in parasympathetic activity and a decrease in sympathetic balance for better cardiac-autonomic functioning, with significant improvement in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and physical work capacity (PWC170). Accordingly, MAAS and MDQ scores also improved significantly after yogic practice. The intra-group and inter-group significant improvements in psychophysiological parameters through CYM practice are relevant in eumenorrheic females to perform effectively throughout their MC period, by improving MC distress and sympathovagal (LF/HF) balance.

Efficacy of a 4-week yoga module on the sympatho-vagal balance among healthcare workers in a tertiary care hospital: a randomised controlled trial

Healthcare workers (HCWs) actively involved in patient care at tertiary care hospitals face significant stress and workload, which may adversely impact their sympatho-vagal balance (SVB). Research has extensively investigated SVB using various techniques, such as heart rate variability (HRV). With its multifaceted approach, yoga has been suggested to influence autonomic nervous system function and, consequently, SVB. Thus, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of a 4-week yoga module on SVB among HCWs. This randomised controlled trial will involve 108 HCWs aged 19-60 years. Participants will be randomised to either (1) a yoga intervention group or (2) a medium-paced walking control group. The primary outcome is a change in HRV after 4 weeks of intervention. Secondary outcomes comprise immediate change in state anxiety, selective attention and HRV compared pre- and post-intervention on days 1, 14 and 28. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis will be performed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the effects of intervention. Multivariate linear model will adjust covariates in baseline HRV data in both groups. Independent t-test will compare pre- and postdata on all outcomes between groups. Paired t-test will be used to compare pre- and postdata on all outcomes within the group. The study protocol is registered on the Clinical Trials Registry - India (CTRI) (CTRI/2024/09/074132).

Yogistic efficacy on cardiopulmonary capacities, endurance efficiencies and musculoskeletal potentialities in female college students

BACKGROUND

Physical exercise participation among female students is significantly compromised throughout the academic periods of college or university due to scholastic demands and also by less parental and community encouragements. Thus, physical inactivity in female college students leads to less musculoskeletal efficiency and work performance.

OBJECTIVE

Customized yogic module may be considered to enhance both aerobic and anaerobic power, pulmonary capacity and musculoskeletal efficiency for the improvement of systemic body functions among female college students.

METHODS

A randomized, controlled parallel study design (n = 60; age = 20.16±2.05 years), on sedentary female college students practicing customized yogic module (n = 30) for 5 days / week for 3 months (60 min daily in the morning) to observe anthropometric, physiological, cardiopulmonary and muscular endurance indices.

RESULTS

After yogic practice, a significant reduction in body fat (p < 0.05) (%), heart rate (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), double product (p‹0.01) and rate pressure product (p < 0.05) were estimated. Significant improvement (p < 0.001) in vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec was also observed. Evaluation of hand grip strength, maximal oxygen consumption and physical work capacity showed significant increase (p < 0.01) after yogic intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

A three-month customized yogic training improved resting physiological activities, cardiopulmonary functions, musculoskeletal strength and endurance fitness due to focused breathing, mindfulness meditation and by stretching-strengthening patterns for achieving recreational physical activity among female college students.