Effect of yoga on heart rate variability in shift worker

ABSTRACT

Night shift work causing circadian disruption of sleep has been suggested to be an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Heart ratevariability (HRV) provides a tool to assess stress related short and long term effects on autonomic regulation of cardiovascular system. Yoga isfrequently used as a lifestyle intervention to reduce stress & restore autonomic nervous system balance. The aim of study was to evaluate theeffect of yoga on HRV and Blood pressure in shift workers. For this cross sectional study, a total of 70 apparently healthy shift workers weredivided into two groups. 1) Study group (n=35) Night shift workers, 2) Control groups (n=35) Day shift workers. Anthropometric, Blood pressureand HRV were measured in both groups. Study group underwent yogic exercise for 8 weeks. The same parameter measured again after yogicexercise. Study group showed decrease in BMI, Waist/Hip ratio, Heart rate, SBP and DBP. HRV showed a significant parasympatheticdominance.