Self-Administered Yoga Facial Massage with Breathing Regulation to Improve Heart Rate Variability in Individuals with...

Area of Science:

• Integrative and Complementary Medicine
• Physiology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is prevalent, often associated with visual fatigue and physiological stress.
• Heart rate variability (HRV) serves as a key indicator of autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation.
• Non-pharmacological interventions are sought to mitigate CVS symptoms and improve well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of specialized Thai yoga facial massage (STYFM) on heart rate variability (HRV) in individuals with CVS.
• To assess STYFM's impact on physiological markers of autonomic regulation, including heart rate (HR) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2).

Main Methods:

• A two-arm randomized controlled trial involving 32 participants with CVS.
• Intervention group received a 4-week self-administered STYFM program; control group underwent seated rest.
• Physiological parameters (HRV, HR, SpO2) were measured at baseline, mid-, and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• STYFM significantly improved multiple HRV parameters, indicating enhanced autonomic regulation (p < 0.001 for most).
• The STYFM group showed significantly increased SpO2 (p < 0.001) and reduced HR (p < 0.001).
• No adverse events were reported during the intervention period.

Conclusions:

• STYFM effectively enhances autonomic regulation, evidenced by improved HRV, increased SpO2, and reduced HR.
• The findings suggest STYFM promotes parasympathetic modulation, offering a potential non-pharmacological approach for CVS management.
• This preliminary study paves the way for further investigation in a larger clinical trial.