Effect of six weeks yoga training on weight loss following step test, respiratory pressures, handgrip strength and handgrip endurance in young healthy subjects

The present study was designed to test whether yoga training of six weeks duration modulates sweating response to dynamic exercise and improves respiratory pressures, handgrip strength and handgrip endurance. Out of 46 healthy subjects (30 males and 16 females, aged 17-20 yr), 23 motivated subjects (15 male and 8 female) were given yoga training and the remaining 23 subjects served as controls. Weight loss following Harvard step test (an index of sweat loss), maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, 40 mm endurance, handgrip strength and handgrip endurance were determined before and after the six week study period. In the yoga group, weight loss in response to Harvard step test was 64 +/- 30 g after yoga training as compared to 161 +/- 133 g before the training and the difference was significant (n = 15 male subjects, P < 0.0001). In contrast, weight loss following step test was not significantly different in the control group at the end of the study period. Yoga training produced a marked increase in respiratory pressures and endurance in 40 mm Hg test in both male and female subjects (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). In conclusion, the present study demonstrates attenuation of the sweating response to step test by yoga training. Further, yoga training for a short period of six weeks can produce significant improvements in respiratory muscle strength and endurance.