Yoga Effects on Heart Rate Variability and Electroencephalography

Effects of Yoga on Heart Rate Variability, Electroencephalography, Quality of Life and Salivary Cortisol of Healthy Adult Subjets

Since yoga breathing exercises are traditionally used to tranquilize the mind, and have a well-known positive effect on the cardiovascular system, it is our hypothesis that a respiratory yoga exercise named bhastrika pranayama may have positive effects on heart rate variability, electroencephalography, quality of life and salivary cortisol (stress hormone).

The effects of yoga interventions on heart rate variability have been previously shown in our laboratory, having its efficacy in improving autonomic heart modulation of hypertensives and elderly subjets proven. However, there is a lack of data addressing the effects of such interventions on EEG patterns of health fit male subjects, as well as there are no study investigating if there is a relationship between heart autonomic modulation changes and EEG patterns. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 1 month respiratory yoga training on heart rate variability, EEG, salivary cortisol and quality of life of health fit male subjets.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Young adults;
• Physically fit (engaged in physical activity at least 2-3 times a week);
• Non athletes;
• Possibility to follow protocol agenda.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Epileptic events in previous 5 years;
• Chronic allergic rhinitis, with airway occlusion;
• Oral bronchodilator usage;
• Beta blocker user;
• Any diagnosed cardiac rhythm alteration at rest;
• Cerebral dysrhythmia;
• Previous training in respiratory yoga exercises.