Effect of meditation on autonomic function in healthy individuals: A longitudinal study

CONTEXT: Meditation is very useful to relieve stress via hypothalamo-pituitory axis. Meditation is considered to be useful to relieve stress and cardio-respiratory health. AIMS: To compare the effect of meditation on autonomic function including heart rate variability (HRV) over a period of 3 months of meditation. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Longitudinal study conducted at Physiology Department, AIIMS Bhopal. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty healthy volunteers doing meditation were evaluated for autonomic function using autonomic function test battery (Ewing's battery) and HRV using Power lab (Ad instrument) and digital electrocardiograph (MARKS). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was done using statistical software. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used. RESULTS: Significant change was seen in Valsalva ratio and lying to standing 30:15 ratio. There was no significant change in other parameters studied with 3 months of meditation. CONCLUSIONS: Three months of meditation does not have any significant effect on major parameters of autonomic functions.