Effect of yogic training on serum LDH levels

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Sports Science

Background:

• Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a crucial glycolytic enzyme for energy production in muscles during exercise.
• Chronic submaximal exercise is known to elevate LDH levels significantly, indicating increased glycolytic activity.
• Yogic practices, involving physical postures and controlled breathing, may influence metabolic pathways similarly to endurance training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of a six-week yogic training program on serum LDH levels in young adults.
• To compare the impact of yoga on LDH levels with known effects of endurance exercise.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 20 students (14 female, 6 male, average age 18) underwent a six-week yogic training regimen.
• Serum LDH levels were measured using the spectrophotometric method of Henry et al. before and after the training period.
• Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant changes in LDH levels.

Main Results:

• Serum LDH levels in all participants remained within normal physiological limits throughout the study.
• A significant increase in serum LDH levels was observed in both male and female students following the six-week yogic training.
• The observed increase suggests a heightened glycolytic enzyme activity induced by yogic practices.

Conclusions:

• Six weeks of yogic training can lead to a significant increase in serum LDH levels in young adults.
• Yogic practices appear to induce metabolic adaptations in LDH levels comparable to those seen with endurance training.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying yoga's influence on energy metabolism and LDH activity.