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Systolic time intervals (STI) are non-invasive and sensitive tests for measuring the ventricular performance. It has been reported that practice of pranayam modulates cardiac autonomic status and improves cardio-respiratory functions. Keeping this in view, the present study was designed to determine whether pranayam training has any effect on ventricular performance as measured by STI and cardiac autonomic function tests (AFT). Twenty four school children were randomly divided into two groups of twelve each. Group I (pranayam group) subjects were given training in nadishuddhi, mukh-bhastrika, pranav and savitri pranayams and practiced the same for 20 minutes daily for a duration of 3 months. Group II (control group) subjects were not given any pranayam training. STI (QS2, LVET and PEP) and AFT (RRIV and QT/QS2) were measured in both the groups at the beginning and again at the end of three months study period. Pranayam training produced an increase in RRIV and a decrease in QT/QS2, suggesting an enhanced parasympathetic and blunted sympathetic activity respectively. QS2, PEP and PEP/LVET increased significantly, whereas LVET was reduced significantly in pranayam group. In contrast, the changes in STI and AFT were much less marked in the control group. Our study shows that three months of pranayam training modulates ventricular performance by increasing parasympathetic activity and decreasing sympathetic activity. Further studies on a larger sample size may illustrate the underlying mechanism(s) involved in this alteration.
Shavasan is known to enhance one's ability to combat stressful situations. The present study was planned to determine if shavasan could modulate the physiological response to stress induced by cold pressor test (CPT) and the possible mechanisms involved. Ten normal adults were taught shavasan and practiced the same for a total duration of seven days. RR interval variation (RRIV), deep breathing difference (DBD), and heart rate, blood pressure & rate-pressure-product (RPP) response to CPT were measured before and immediately after shavasan. Shavasan produced a significant increase in DBD and an appreciable but statistically insignificant increase in RRIV suggesting an enhanced parasympathetic activity. Significant blunting of cold pressor-induced increase in heart rate, blood pressure and RPP by shavasan was seen during and even five minutes after CPT suggesting that shavasan reduces the load on the heart by blunting the sympathetic response. It is concluded that shavasan can enhance one's ability to withstand stress induced by CPT and this ability can be achieved even with seven days of shavasan training.
Shavasan is known to enhance one's ability to combat stressful situations. The present study was planned to determine if shavasan could modulate the physiological response to stress induced by cold pressor test (CPT) and the possible mechanisms involved. Ten normal adults were taught shavasan and practiced the same for a total duration of seven days. RR interval variation (RRIV), deep breathing difference (DBD), and heart rate, blood pressure & rate-pressure-product (RPP) response to CPT were measured before and immediately after shavasan. Shavasan produced a significant increase in DBD and an appreciable but statistically insignificant increase in RRIV suggesting an enhanced parasympathetic activity. Significant blunting of cold pressor-induced increase in heart rate, blood pressure and RPP by shavasan was seen during and even five minutes after CPT suggesting that shavasan reduces the load on the heart by blunting the sympathetic response. It is concluded that shavasan can enhance one's ability to withstand stress induced by CPT and this ability can be achieved even with seven days of shavasan training.