Change in Basal Cardiac and Respiratory Parameters after Regular Practice of Bhramari Pranayama and Yoganidra in Young Medical Students

ABSTRACT

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of regular practice of  Bhramari pranayama and Yoganidra for 3 months on the basal cardiac and respiratory parameters of young healthy medical students. Background: Previous studies support the beneficial effect of Bhramari pranayama and Yoganidra individually in hypertension and other diseases. This is a study to evaluate effect of combination of pranayama and meditation on basal cardiac and respiratory parameters in young healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: Total 94 young medical students were selected who performed Bhramari Pranayama and Yoganidra for a duration of 3 months. Basal values of pulse, blood pressure and respiratory rate were recorded on each student before and after yoga. Results: In our study mean pulse rate  before yoga  was  76.39 ± 4.34 per min. and after yoga  it reduced to 74.56 ± 3.55 per min (p <0.001) .The basal systolic blood pressure before yoga was systolic 117.12 ± 4.470 mm Hg and diastolic 74.18 ± 3.884 mm Hg .After 3 months of yoga systolic reduced to 114.18 ± 4.103 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure fell to 71.37 ± 2.570 mm Hg (p < 0.001). Before yoga the mean respiratory rate was 19.25 ± 1.756 per minute which reduced to 18.16 ± 1.37 per minute (p < 0.001). Conclusion:  Bhramari  Pranayama  and  Yoganidra  significantly  reduced pulse, blood pressure and respiratory rate.