Comparative Effects of Yoga Practices on Self-Esteem and Blood Pressure in Substance Use Disorders: An Randomized...

Substance Use Disorders (SUD) are characterized by a debilitating cycle of physiological stress, such as hypertension, and psychological deficits, specifically low self-esteem. While yoga is a recognized biopsychosocial intervention, research rarely isolates the comparative efficacy of its specific modalities Asana (postures) and Pranayama (breathwork) in recovery settings.

To compare the effects of Asana, Pranayama, and an integrated (Asana + Pranayama) practice on self-esteem and blood pressure among individuals with SUD.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 male participants (ages 25-50) at a rehabilitation center in Shimla, India. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 15 each): Asana, Pranayama, Asana + Pranayama (AP), and a Control Group (CG). Interventions lasted 12 wk (3 sessions/week, 30 mins each). Primary outcomes included the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), analyzed using One-Way ANCOVA.

All intervention groups showed significant improvements compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The integrated AP group demonstrated the highest efficacy, achieving the greatest increase in self-esteem (Adjusted Mean: 23.07 vs. CG: 18.03) and the most significant reductions in SBP (AP: 124.08 vs. CG: 131.84 mmHg) and DBP (AP: 83.68 vs. CG: 90.55 mmHg).

Integrated yoga practice (combining physical postures and breathwork) is more effective than either modality alone in improving psychological resilience and cardiovascular health during SUD recovery. These findings support the inclusion of multi-modal yoga protocols in multidisciplinary addiction treatment.