Effect of long-term yoga training on autonomic function among the healthy adults

BACKGROUND: Autonomic dysfunction is one of the major complications in noncommunicable diseases, and there are studies to prove yoga practice improves cardiac autonomic function. So, this present study was done to compare the autonomic functions among yoga practitioners and nonyoga practitioners. METHODS: This cross-sectional comparative study was initiated among 68 healthy volunteers of both sexes, after recruiting them based on inclusion and exclusion criteria in the age group of 17–30 yrs. The autonomic reactivity tests like resting heart rate, response of heart rate to standing, Valsalva maneuver, and response of heart rate to deep breathing, response of BP to standing, and sustained hand-grip were done. RESULTS: In the autonomic reactivity test, resting heart rate (80.92 ± 11.76 vs 69.24 ± 10.64) and sustained handgrip (16.30 ± 4.53 vs 10.20 ± 3.67) significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the participants of the yoga group compared to control group. Deep breathing test, Valsalva maneuver, 30:15 ratio in lying to standing, and BP response to standing test did not show any significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed diminished sympathetic activity and improved parasympathetic activity among the regular yoga practicing participants. It can be practiced regularly to reduce stress and prevent lifestyle-associated disorders in the future.