Abstract

Background: The autonomic nervous system plays a major part in preparing the human body to adapt to the constant environmental changes and stress by correcting the sensory, visceral, motor, and neuro endocrine functions. The present study was conducted to assess effect of yoga on autonomic nervous system of human body.
Materials & Methods: 80subjects of both genders were divided into 2 groups. Group I were on regular yoga and group II had healthy subjects who do not practice yoga (control). Anthropometric measurements like height, weight was taken. BMI was calculated, and recordings of AFT were done in the morning.
Results: Group I had 22 males and 18 females and group II had 20 males and 20 females. The mean age of group I was 18.6 years and in group II was 20.4 years. The mean height was 164.2 cm in group I and 165.3 cm in group II. The mean weight was 53.2 Kgs in group I and 57.5 Kgs in group II. The mean BMI was 20.1 Kg/cm2 in group I and 21.3 Kg/cm2 in group II. The difference was non- significant (P>0.05). The resting HR (bpm) was 80.3 and 69.4, DBT (bpm) was 1.43 and 1.72, 30:15 ratio (bpm) was 1.12 and 1.26, VR (bpm) was 1.52 and 1.81, HGT (mm Hg) was 16.8 and 10.2 and BP response to standing (mm Hg)          was 6.32 and 8.43 in group I and II respectively. The difference was non- significant (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Regular long‑term yoga training showed significant effects which streamline autonomic functions that help to prevent lifestyle diseases and their complications.