Yoga's Effects on the Cardiovascular System of Healthy Women: Implications for Best Practices

Yoga as a form of physical activity is growing in popularity. During yoga, individuals interrupt the stress response, which is typically associated with high blood pressure (BP), impaired focus, and high levels of anxiety. Consequently, research into yoga's effects on stress should place a special emphasis upon the interplay of the nervous and cardiovascular systems during yoga practice.

The purpose of this study was to delineate the immediate cardiovascular effects of 12 Hatha yoga poses by means of RR (beat-to-beat) intervals and JT (cardiac repolarization) intervals.

The research team designed controlled pilot studies based on half-year periods.

The study took place at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Participants were women who were long-term yoga practitioners. Three studies occurred: (1) Study 1-10 women with a mean age of 30.1 ± 1.9 years, (2) Study 2-10 women with a mean age of 29.9 ± 1.9 years, and (3) Study 3-22 women with a mean age of 32.9 ± 1.8 years.

The study examined the acute cardiovascular effects of 12 Hatha yoga poses by means of electrocardiogram parameters.

Anthropometrical and physiological parameters were measured: (1) height and weight; (2) body mass index (BMI); (3) heart rate (HR); (4) systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP); and (5) electrocardiogram (ECG) RR and JT intervals.

The lowest RR interval value was recorded during the Chaturanga Dandasana, at 456.0 ± 16.5 ms in Study 3, with P < .001 compared to the intervals for all the other poses. Significant differences in the JT interval also emerged during the Chaturanga Dandasana, at 177.3 ± 6.0 ms in Study 3 with P < .001 compared to all the other poses. The next lowest RR interval value was recorded in Study 3 during the Utkatasana, at 569.4 ± 17.6 ms. In the Savasana prior to the program, the RR interval increased in study 1 and decreased in studies 2 and 3. The JT interval in the Savasana prior to the program increased in studies 1 and 2 but decreased in study 3.

Healthy women can practice a modified and/or a shorter duration of the Chaturanga Dandasana. Adjustments in the Utkatasana, including having the arms in the prayer position, may help prevent strain to the cardiovascular system. Also, practicing poses with a longer RR interval may aid stress-related health problems.