Acute effects of fast, slow, and graded Suryanamaskar on cardiorespiratory and cardiac autonomic functions

Suryanamaskar (SN) is a popular yogic practice due to its health benefits and fitness promises. This study aims to assess the acute effects of different paces of SN on cardiorespiratory responses and heart rate variability (HRV).

In this self-as-control comparative study, seventeen male yoga practitioners performed three rounds of SN at fast (FSN), slow (SSN), and graded (GSN) pace in a randomly allocated sequence. Cardiorespiratory responses and HRV kinetics were continuously monitored using a metabolic gas analyzer and heart rate sensor, respectively, and were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA and paired t-test.

FSN involved the highest VO₂, followed by GSN and SSN. Average HR (AHR) was significantly greater during FSN compared to SSN (p < 0.01; d = 0.81) and GSN (p < 0.05; d = 0.39). GSN demanded significantly higher (p < 0.05; d = 0.41) stroke volume compared to FSN. VO₂, AHR, and energy expenditure (EE) showed a gradual increase across rounds in FSN and SSN, whereas in GSN those significantly reduced. SSN showed significantly lesser EE, fat% utilization, and METS as compared to FSN (p < 0.001) and GSN (p < 0.01). SSN also showed significantly reduced LF power (p < 0.01; d = 0.67), LF/HF ratio, and higher HF power than GSN and FSN.

FSN is more metabolically demanding compared to the other two paces. SSN is more effective in bringing a state of parasympathetic dominance and GSN brings progressive relaxation. The results provide insights into the acute HRV and cardio-metabolic responses to different SN paces suggesting its potential as a complementary therapy and to promote holistic health and well-being.