Exploring the Immediate Effects of Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama on Heart Rate Variability Among Young Adults

The young working population experiences a high level of perceived stress. Stress distorts our sympathovagal balance which maintains homeostasis in our body and leads to stress related diseases. This stress can be reduced by practicing yoga, which has various components that can bring a sensation of calmness and increased awareness. Heart rate variability (HRV) being a non-invasive technique is a good method for assessing sympathovagal balance. The present study aimed to determine the immediate changes in HRV in young adults following Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama (NSP). The study was initiated in the Physiology Department of our medical college. 40 naive to pranayama, volunteers of both genders aged 20-40 years were recruited for the study. Their perceived stress scale (PSS) score and ECG in lead II were recorded. Before ECG recording and NSP performance, volunteers were demonstrated the NSP technique by a certified yoga trainer. A 15-minute baseline ECG recording pre-NSP, followed by a 15-minute ECG recording post-NSP for HRV analysis in recovery phase was attained using a digital polygraph. Blood pressure was noted before and at the end of ECG recording. Analysis of variability in HRV was done before and after the performance of NSP. Compared to baseline readings, a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and a significant increase in HRV parameters like SDNN (standard deviation of RR Intervals adjacent normal to normal intervals), and HF (high frequency), along with a significant decrease LF (low frequency), LF/HF (low/high frequency) ratio was observed post NSP practice. p < 0.05 was considered as significant. We conclude that the practice of NSP even for short period can shift the balance of the ANS toward the PNS.