TO STUDY THE CHANGES IN BLOOD PRESSURE INDICES BEFORE AND AFTER PRANAYAMA PRACTICE AMONG YOUNG VOLUNTEERS

Mrs. Patil Smita V*, Mr. Gaikwad Pandurang B, Dr.Ulhas S. Mali, Dr. Suvarna T. Jadhav, Mr. Vinayak B. Gaikwad and Dr. Umesh Wadagave

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND- Yoga is an ancient science established in India. Those who are practicing yoga and pranayama can lead to healthy life. Pranayama (breathing exercise) can produce different physiological responses in young healthy individuals. Various blood pressure indices especially Rate Pressure Product (RPP) are used as indices of myocardial oxygen consumption. AIM- “So this work was undertaken to study various blood pressure indices before and after pranayama among young volunteers”. MATERIALS & METHODS: - The study was conducted on 60 healthy 1st year M.B.B.S. students about the effects of pranayama on heart rate, blood pressure & blood pressure indices before and after 4th, 8th & 12th week of pranayama practice. Blood pressure was measured with the help of Sphygmomanometer. Heart rate was measured clinically with stop watch. RESULTS : There was significant decrease (p=0.001) in heart rate, systolic Blood Pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, Rate Pressure Product & double pressure product after pranayama practice. There was decrease in diastolic BP also after pranayama practice but this change was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Regular practice of Pranayama has potential to enhance the beneficial effects by decreasing blood pressure indices & increasing cardiac efficiency in an individual.

Keywords: Pranayama, Heart Rate, Systolic Blood pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, Rate Pressure Product,