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Published on: December 3, 2020
Effect of yogic squats on cerebral hemodynamics using functional near-infrared spectroscopy in healthy individuals: A
S A Sangavi1, A Mooventhan2, L Nivethitha3
1Department of Yoga, Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
Background:
Cognitive function is directly proportional to the level of oxygenation of the brain, and practicing yogic squats has a significant improvement in cognitive functions. Thus, performing yogic squats may improve cerebral oxygenation. This study aims to evaluate the effect of yogic squats on cerebral hemodynamics of healthy individuals.
Materials And Methods:
In this randomized crossover study, 30 healthy individuals aged 23.28 ± 2.39 years were randomized into Group A, Group B, and Group C. Group A had a yogic squats session (YSS), modified yogic squats session (MYSS), and control session (CS); Group B had MYSS, CS, and YSS, and Group C had CS, YSS, and MYSS on day 1, day 2, and day 3 respectively for 4 min. Cerebral hemodynamic changes were assessed before, during, and after each session.
Results:
Yogic squats session produced a significant reduction in deoxyhemoglobin (during) and total hemoglobin (after the practice), unlike modified yogic squat and control sessions.
Conclusion:
Performing yogic squats reduced deoxyhemoglobin during the practice and total hemoglobin after the practice in healthy individuals, unlike modified yogic squats and control sessions. It suggests that yogic squats may have some effect on cerebral hemodynamics. However, further studies with a larger population and long-term effect assessment are recommended to strengthen the results of this study.
