Effect of Yoga Training on Cardiovascular and Mental Health Parameters in Hypertensive Patients

Effect of Yoga Training on Cardiovascular, Autonomic, Mental Health and Cognitive Parameters in Hypertensive Patients: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial (Hypertension and Yoga Study)

The objective of this study will be to analyze the effect of 16 weeks of Yoga training on cardiovascular, autonomic, mental health, and cognitive parameters in hypertensive individuals. This is a randomized, controlled clinical trial to be conducted with adults and elderly (40 years or older), of both sexes, diagnosed with High Blood Pressure (HBP), who will be randomized into two groups: Yoga Group (YG) and Control Group (CG). The YG will undergo a Yoga training program involving breathing techniques, mobility, physical postures, relaxation, and meditation for 16 weeks. In the first eight weeks (phase 1), three supervised weekly sessions will be held. In the last eight weeks of the study (phase 2), the training will consist of three supervised weekly sessions and the delivery of an asynchronous video lesson, with the weekly frequency then increasing (from three to four sessions per week). The video lesson will be available on a digital platform. Before, after eight weeks, and after 16 weeks, cardiovascular, autonomic, mental and cognitive health parameters will be assessed. Furthermore, the biomarkers Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), serotonin, and nitric oxide will be analyzed at different assessment times of the study, as well as biochemical profile tests (glucose, total cholesterol, among others), functional capacity tests, and body composition. This project is expected to contribute to the literature by better elucidating the effects of Yoga on the cardiovascular, mental, and cognitive health of hypertensive individuals. The SPSS (21.0) statistical package will be used for data analysis. After confirming the appropriate assumptions, generalized estimating equations will be used, followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test, with a significance level of 5%.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults or elderly individuals
• >= 40 years
• Both sexes
• Diagnosis of hypertension controlled by up to three medications
• Who do not present high cardiovascular risk
• Who have not engaged in a physical exercise program in the six months prior to the start of the study will participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Adherence of less than 75% of training sessions
• Diagnosis of other diseases during the study
• Adherence to another physical exercise program
• Change in the class and/or dose of antihypertensive medication during the study
• Worsening of the disease (resting systolic blood pressure (BP) > 180 mmHg).