Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Resting-State Connectivity and Neuroimaging of Prefrontal Cortex Activity During a Block-Design Yoga Asana Practice Using fNIRS
Published on: June 24, 2025
Yoga Practice Improves Physiological and Biochemical Status at High Altitudes: A Prospective Case-control Study
Comprehensive yogic practices significantly improved health and performance in soldiers deployed at high altitudes (HA). Yoga demonstrated superior benefits over routine physical training for soldiers living above 3000 m.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Sports Science
- Altitude Medicine
Background:
- High altitude (HA) presents significant psychophysiological stressors.
- Optimizing soldier health and performance in HA regions is crucial.
- Previous interventions have yielded varied results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of comprehensive yogic practices on soldiers deployed at HA.
- To compare the efficacy of yoga against routine physical training.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, case-control study was conducted at 3445 m altitude.
- Two groups of soldiers were formed: a control group (routine physical training) and an intervention group (yoga package: asanas, pranayama, meditation).
- Extensive anthropometrical, physiological, biochemical, and psychological parameters were measured at baseline and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- The yoga group exhibited significant improvements in health indices and performance compared to the control group.
- Key improvements included lower weight, body fat percentage, respiratory rate, diastolic blood pressure, and anxiety scores.
- The yoga group also showed enhanced oxygen saturation, pulmonary function (FEV1, VO2Max), and reduced lipid profiles and blood urea.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive yogic practices effectively enhance health and performance at high altitudes.
- Yoga is superior to routine physical training for soldiers in HA environments.
- Yogic practices represent a valuable modality for military personnel deployed at high altitudes.
More Related Videos
10:45A Community-based Stress Management Program: Using Wearable Devices to Assess Whole Body Physiological Responses in Non-laboratory Settings
Published on: January 22, 2018
07:10Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Respiration
Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Requirements for Human Life
Oxygen
Atmospheric air is only about 20 percent oxygen, but that oxygen is a key component of the chemical reactions that keep the body alive, including the reactions that produce ATP. Brain cells are susceptible to a lack of oxygen because they require a...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...