Effects of Yoga on Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability Responses to Stress

The Effects of Acute Yoga Practice on Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability Responses to Mental Stress

Introduction: Yoga has been shown to reduce stress and have benefits for a number of stress-related disorders. However, the effects of an acute bout of yoga practice on cardiac autonomic response to and recovery from stress remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the effect of a single bout of yoga on heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) response to and recovery from mental stress.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover design. A total of 44 participants completed two sessions (yoga and video watching (VW)) in randomly assigned order. After each condition, participants underwent a Stroop task and mental arithmetic task. Electrocardiogram was measured and HR and HRV for resting, each condition, and the stress and recovery periods were analyzed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged between 20 and 40 years old
• a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30
• being sedentary

Exclusion Criteria:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities (e.g., arrhythmia, atrioventricular blocks)
• history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or renal disease
• contraindications for exercise (e.g., orthopedic problems)
• involvement in any yoga practice
• being pregnant or nursing
• use of tobacco products or medications that may affect cardiovascular function