Slow Yogic-Derived Breathing and Respiration and Cardiovascular Variability in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Effect of Slow Breathing and Yogic-Derived Breathing on Respiration and Cardiovascular Variability in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

This research will aid in understanding of slow-breathing and its effect on heart rate and blood pressure in people with a spinal cord injury (SCI). This research will investigate if traditional 'yogic' breathing exercises can be performed by subjects with SCI and its influence on the cardiovascular system.

The relationship between respiratory patterns and cardiovascular variability in healthy persons has been previously studied. However, the impact of SCI on the interrelationships between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems remains relatively unstudied. The loss of autonomic control in SCI may mean that slow breathing has profound effects on cardiovascular variability. Hence, those with SCI may represent a population that could benefit from the potential physiologic effects of numerous yogic-based breathing patterns that can be applied anywhere any time. Hence, it is important to determine if slower breathing patterns can shift the cardiovascular control pattern to-wards important healthful effects. This physiological study will compare the effects of uncontrolled breathing and traditional yogic slow-breathing practices on cardiovascular variability in SCI patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age: 18-60 years old
2. Wheelchair user
3. Medically stable & able to follow directions
4. Body mass index (18.5 - 35 kg/m2)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. BP >140/90 mmHg
2. Current use of cardioactive medications (except medication to support blood pressure)
3. Current tobacco use
4. Significant arrhythmia
5. Coronary artery disease
6. Diabetes
7. Renal Disease
8. Cancer
9. Epilepsy or other neurological diseases