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Updated: Jul 29, 2025

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
Association between Yoga Participation and Arterial Stiffness: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Tilak Raj1, Catherine A Elliot1, Lee Stoner2
1Department of Tourism, Sport and Society, Lincoln University, Christchurch 7647, New Zealand.
Yoga practice may reduce arterial stiffness in adults. This study found lower carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in yoga participants, suggesting a potential benefit for cardiovascular disease risk reduction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Exercise Physiology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Yoga is a popular practice associated with increased physical activity.
- Yoga may contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults.
- Arterial stiffness is a key indicator of cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether yoga participation is associated with lower arterial stiffness.
- To compare arterial stiffness between yoga practitioners and non-practitioners.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 202 yoga and 181 non-yoga participants.
- Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured as the primary outcome.
- Analysis of covariance adjusted for demographic, hemodynamic, lifestyle, and cardiometabolic factors.
Main Results:
- Yoga participants exhibited significantly lower cfPWV compared to non-yoga participants after adjustments.
- The mean difference in cfPWV was -0.28 m/s (95% CI = -0.55 to 0.08).
Conclusions:
- Yoga participation may be linked to reduced arterial stiffness.
- Population-level yoga practice could play a role in decreasing cardiovascular disease risk.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings.
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