Effect of yogasana practice on systolic time intervals
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Effect of yogasana practice on systolic time intervals
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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T.M. Srinivasan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Effect of yogasana practice on systolic time intervals
Year: 1990
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The therapeutic benefits of yoga practices, particularly yogasanas, are well-established in ancient Indian literature, and this study seeks to explore their effects on cardiac functions through the measurement of systolic time intervals (STI). The research focuses on five specific asanas: Sirsasana (headstand), Sarvangasana (shoulder stand), Halasana (plough posture), Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend), and Bhujangasana (cobra pose). Five healthy practitioners aged 22-25, who had been practicing regularly for over a year, were the subjects for this study, and various cardiac parameters were monitored before, during, and after the asana practices.
Impact of Yogasana Practice on Cardiac Function
One of the key findings of the study is the effect of yogasana practice on pre-ejection period (PEP) and left ventricular ejection time (LVET), which are vital indicators of cardiac performance. The results indicated that during Sirsasana, there was a significant decrease in PEP after both one and two minutes, suggesting increased myocardial contractility. Conversely, no significant changes were observed in the corrected LVET during the execution of any asana, indicating that while yogic practices may influence certain aspects of cardiac function鈥攑articularly in terms of contractility鈥攖hey do not substantially alter overall heart rate or stroke volume during asana practice.
Conclusion
The study concludes that regular practice of yogasanas may induce measurable changes in cardiac function within the acceptable physiological limits of the heart. Although the results did not indicate significant alterations in systolic time intervals across most asanas, they raise the possibility of incorporating yogic practices into cardiac rehabilitation programs, assuming further research validates these findings in patients with existing cardiac conditions. The lack of significant load on the cardiac system in healthy volunteers suggests that, under supervision, certain yogasanas could be safely practiced by individuals with cardiovascular concerns, thus promoting better heart health through controlled yoga interventions.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the focus of the study on yogasana practice?
The study aimed to examine the effect of yogasana practice on cardiac functions by measuring systolic time intervals (STI) in healthy practitioners. The asanas studied included Sirsasana, Sarvangasana, Halasana, Paschimottanasana, and Bhujangasana.
How were the subjects selected for the study?
Five male healthy volunteers aged 22-25 were selected. They practiced yogasanas regularly for over three years and were free from any cardiovascular diseases. All subjects were non-smokers.
What measurements were taken during the study?
Electrocardiogram (ECG), Phonocardiogram (PCG), and ear-densitogram (EDG) recordings were made. Systolic time intervals such as electromechanical systole (QS2), pre-ejection period (PEP), and left ventricular ejection time (LVET) were calculated.
What were the study's findings on cardiac function during asanas?
The study found that while some changes occurred in systolic time intervals during asana practice, these changes remained within normal heart functioning limits, suggesting that yogasanas might not adversely affect cardiac function in healthy individuals.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淓ffect of yogasana practice on systolic time intervals鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Asana (膧艣ana, 膧sana, A艣an膩, A艣ana, Ashana, Asa峁嚹�):
Asana refers to the physical postures practiced in yoga, essential for promoting physical health and enhancing flexibility. In the context of this study, various asanas like Sirsasana, Sarvangasana, and Bhujangasana were evaluated to understand their effects on systolic time intervals and cardiac functions. Asanas serve as a practical application of ancient yoga principles.
2) Post:
The term 'post' here is related to the positioning of the body during the practice of asanas or yoga exercises. Maintaining specific postures significantly influences factors like heart rate and blood circulation, which were measured during the study. Hence, the strategic use of posture (or 'post') is crucial in observing cardiovascular responses.
3) Yoga (Yog膩):
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice integrating physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation for promoting overall well-being. This study focuses on the physiological impacts of yoga via asana practice, specifically examining its influence on cardiac functions. The therapeutic values of yoga have gained global recognition in managing various health issues.
4) Bhujanga (Bhuja峁単a, Bhujamga):
Bhujanga, or the cobra pose, is one of the asanas analyzed in the study. The effects of Bhujangasana on systolic time intervals were specifically observed to assess its influence on cardiac activity. Asanas like Bhujanga symbolize the fusion of physical exertion and meditative practices characteristic of yoga.
5) Channel:
In the context of this study, 'channel' refers to the four-channel recorder used to capture ECG, PCG, and EDG data, vital for measuring systolic time intervals. The effectiveness and accuracy of the data collection depend on the proper functioning of such recording channels, impacting the study's reliability.
6) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context denotes the systematic study and experimentation conducted to evaluate the physiological effects of yogic practices. The research involves a scientific approach to measuring cardiac functions and interpreting data within a scientific framework, thereby validating the ancient wisdom of yoga with modern empirical evidence.
7) Perception:
Perception here relates to the subjective understanding or experience of individuals during yoga practice. This includes how practitioners feel their heart functioning in various asanas or during exercises, which could influence their engagement with the practice. Greater awareness of bodily sensations can enhance the effectiveness of yoga.
8) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the analysis and interpretation of the results obtained from the study. In this context, it encompasses the implications of the findings on cardiac function during asana practice, alongside recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need for further exploration to substantiate the benefits of yoga for cardiac patients.
9) Shavasana (Shava-asana, 艢av膩sana, 艢avas膩na, 艢avasana):
Shavasana, or the corpse pose, is a fundamental resting posture in yoga that promotes relaxation and recovery. While not specifically featured in this study, its relevance lies in its contrasting effect to more strenuous asanas, providing insights into overall cardiovascular response and recovery in yoga practice.
10) Sharman (艢arma, Sarm膩, Sarma, Sharma, 艢arman):
Sharma is likely a reference to a researcher or contributor to the study or related literature. The contributions from various scholars and practitioners named Sharma may provide a foundation for understanding how yoga and its practices impact health鈥攁 crucial aspect of academic inquiry into yoga's effects.
11) Blood:
Blood in this context refers to its role in the circulatory system and how cardiovascular efficiency can be influenced by yoga practices. The study focused on cardiac functions, which are intrinsically linked to blood flow and pressure, assessing how asanas affect these parameters within healthy individuals.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Effect of yogasana practice on systolic time intervals鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Therapeutic value, Psychosomatic disorder, Electrocardiogram (ECG), Muscle contraction, Exercise Testing, Cardiac function, Yogasana practice.