Effect of Ujjayi Pranayama on cardiovascular autonomic function tests

Results: Regular practice of Ujjayi Pranayama for 3 months significantly reduces the cardiovascular hyperreactivity in basal blood pressure (BP), rise in BP after 1 min of cold stress, pulse rate, and rate of respiration. Ujjayi Pranayama; Cold Pressor Test; Hyperreactors; Blood Pressure; Heart Rate; Respiratory Rate INTRODUCTION Present day life is full of stress, stress, an inevitable and constant feature throughout the lifetime, induces autonomic dysfunctions which affect physical, mental, behavioral, and emotional health. The psychosocial stresses activate limbic system and hypothalamus which stimulate autonomic nervous system, increase in output of both adrenaline and noradrenaline, both from sympathetic nerve fibers as well as from adrenal medulla causing increase in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP) and an increased secretion of glucocorticoid and aldosterone from adrenal cortex causing salt and fluid retention which increases blood volume and BP imposing severe strain on the heart. Pranayama has been reported to be beneficial in treating a range of stress-related disorders, improving autonomic functions, relieving symptoms of asthma, stuttering and reducing signs of oxidative stress. [5] Slow breathing increases cardiac-vagal baroreflex sensitivity, improves oxygen saturation, lowers BP, intensified vagal activity and reduces anxiety. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study "effect of 'Ujjayi Pranayama' on cardiovascular autonomic function tests" was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India. 60 young healthy volunteers aged 17-27 years who were hyperreactors to cold pressor test participated in the study. The subject ware allowed to take rest in supine position in...