Effects of short term yoga training on body composition and cardio-pulmonary functions on healthy male

Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity leads to obesity and increases the risk of cardio-pulmonary diseases. Objectives: To study the effects of yoga training on cardio-pulmonary functions on healthy male. Method: Eighty-five healthy male volunteers (age 18–20 years) were screened randomly, among them twenty five were excluded from the study, the remaining sixty volunteers were randomly divided into two groups: (a) Yoga Group (n = 30) and (b) Control Group (n = 30). Yoga training (60 min/d, 06 d/wk for 12 wks) was followed in yoga group with no yoga training in control group. Body composition, heart rate, blood pressure and pulmonary functions were assessed in both the groups at 0- week and after 12- weeks. Result: Significant reduction (P<0.05) in body fat, body mass, SBP, RHR and RR; and increase (P<0.05) in FVC, FEV1, PEFR, MVV, and BHT were noted in the yoga group after 12 weeks of yoga training when compared to baseline data. Further, the control group had significantly (P<0.05) higher body fat, total fat mass, body mass, SBP, RHR and RR; and (P<0.05) lower FVC, FEV1, PEFR, MVV, and BHT when compared to yoga group after 12 weeks of study. Conclusion: These changes might be due to yoga training. Regular yoga practice improves blood pressure and lung functions; and reduces the risk of cardio-pulmonary diseases.

Keywords

• Yoga
• Body Composition
• Blood Pressure
• Pulmonary Function