Yoga practice to improve sleep quality and body composition parameters of obese male - a randomized controlled trial

Background Globally obesity increase is a big challenge. Obesity causes many non-communicable diseases. Options to control obesity are in search. Aim: To assess the outcome of 3 months follow-up period, after 14 weeks yoga intervention, for body composition and sleep quality parameters on obese male in urban setting. Materials and methods Design: Parallel group RCT (randomized controlled trial) on obese male. The two groups were yoga and control groups, with yoga (n = 37, age 40.03 ± 8.74), control (n = 35, age 42.20 ± 12.06). The IAYT (integrated approach of yoga therapy) training was given to yoga group for 14 weeks, and the unsupervised yoga practice was continued by the subjects at their home, for further 3 months. Training was 1.5 hour daily for 5 days in a week, which included the IAYT module of Suryanamaskara Asana Pranayama and relaxation. No yoga activity but walking etc. for the same time, was given to control group. Body composition parameters were assessed through BIA (bioelectrical impedance) method using InBody R 20 model. The sleep quality was assessed using PSQI (Pittsburgh sleep quality index). Within group and between group analysis were performed, using SPSS version 21. The correlation analysis was carried out on the difference in pre follow-up values. Results During the follow-up period within the group, the body composition parameters improved and the parameters of quality of sleep showed trends of improvement. Also some of the gain obtained during 14 weeks intervention was lost during follow-up period. Conclusions The changes observed may indicate the long-term benefits of yoga practice for control of obesity in urban setting for males.