Effect of Short-Term Pranayama and Meditation on Cardiovascular Functions in Healthy Individuals

Context: Asana, pranayama, and meditation are three main techniques of yoga practiced in India over thousands of years to attain functional harmony between the body and mind. Recent studies on long-term yogic practices have shown improvements in cardiovascular functions. Aim: The present study was conducted to ascertain if a short-term practice of pranayama and meditation had improvements in cardiovascular functions in healthy individuals with respect to age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Settings and Design: This interventional study was conducted in the Department of physiology of S.N. Medical College, Bagalkot. Patients and Methods: Fifty healthy subjects (24 males and 26 females) of 20−60 years age group, fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent two hours daily yoga program for 15 days taught by a certified yoga teacher. Pre and post yoga cardiovascular functions were assessed by recording pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean blood pressure. Statistical analysis used: The parameters were analyzed by Student′s t test. Results: There was significant reduction in resting pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure after practicing pranayama and meditation for 15 days. The response was similar in both the genders, both the age groups, 40 yrs and both the groups with BMI, 25 kg/m2 . Conclusion: This study showed beneficial effects of short term (15 days) regular pranayama and meditation practice on cardiovascular functions irrespective of age, gender, and BMI in normal healthy individuals

Thyroid Status in Relation to Age and Gender - A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Thyroid disorders have become much more common in the present days and so are its resultant complications or sequelae. There are marked variations in thyroid function with age and sex, evident in all of the in vitro hormone and protein measurements. Objective: To correlate the thyroid status with age and gender. Methods: 500 subjects of all age group and both genders from the general population of Bagalkot, Karnataka were included in the study. Subjects suffering from thyroid disorders were excluded. Non-Fasting venous samples were collected from all the subjects, serum T3, T4, and TSH levels were estimated by microplate immunoenzymometric assay. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA and unpaired ‘t’ test. Results: It was observed that T3 and T4 levels declined but TSH levels raised, as the age advanced. T3 and T4 levels were lower and TSH levels higher in female subjects as compared to male subjects, in the age group of 21 – 40 years. Conclusion: The variability in the thyroid status has to be borne in mind during evaluation and treatment of thyroid disorders

Anthropometry and physical fitness in individuals with family history of type-2 diabetes mellitus: A comparative study

Context: The risk of becoming a diabetic for an individual with a positive family history of diabetes increases by two- to fourfold. Aim: To record the anthropometric indices and the physical fitness in individuals with family history of type-2 diabetes mellitus and compare these results with those of controls. Settings and Design: This is a comparative study done in the department of physiology. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two apparently healthy medical students with family history of type-2 Diabetes Mellitus were chosen for the study and matched with equal number of controls. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, thigh circumference, upper segment and lower segment) were recorded. Body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-thigh ratio (WTR), and upper to lower segment ratio (US/LS ratio) were calculated. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured. Physical fitness was evaluated using Queen′s College step test protocol. Rate Pressure Product (RPP) and Physical Fitness Index (PFI) were calculated before and after exercise. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: BMI, WHR, US/LS ratio, and RPP at rest were significantly higher (P < 0.05), whereas WTR, PFI, and RPP after exercise lower (P > 0.05) in cases as compared to controls. Conclusions: It can be concluded that apparently healthy individuals with family history of type-2 diabetes mellitus have higher anthropometric values and lower physical fitness than the controls

Hematological Profile of Painters: A Case -Control Study

ABSTRACT Occupational diseases are often neglected due to its direct impact on a person&apos;s economy. Painters are at a high risk of developing alterations in their haematological profile, apart from respiratory and skin diseases. Our aim to study the haematological profile in painters and take preventive steps in order to improve their health. This case-control study was done in 30 painters and 30 non-painters in the Department of Physiology, S. N. Medical College, Bagalkot. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained. Blood sample was drawn from antecubital vein. Hemoglobin, RBC count, total and differential leucocytic counts, and platelet count of the painters and non-painters were estimated. The results obtained were compared between the two groups statistically using unpaired t test. This study revealed there were a decrease in hemoglobin and neutrophils, and a decrease in RBC, Platelet and total leucocyte counts in painters. An increase in eosinophils, lympocytes and basophils was also noted in them as compared to nonpainters. A check on these haematological parameters should be kept in case of painters in order to take preventive measures to improve their health

Suboccipital Retrosigmoid Surgical Approach For Internal Auditory Canal––A Morphometric Anatomical Study on Dry Human Temporal Bones

Suboccipital retrosigmoid craniotomy with removal of posterior wall of internal auditory canal is preferred by many surgeons operating on acoustic neuromas, as it is a simple and safe approach. To study the topographic landmarks of the posterior surface of the temporal bone. We studied the surgical anatomy of 224 dry adult human temporal bones, measured the various distances on posterior wall of petrous bone relevant for suboccipital surgical approach to internal auditory canal. The internal auditory canal (IAC) lies within 32–44 mm from posterior wall of sigmoid sulcus and within 3–8 mm from the superior border of petrous bone. The point corresponding to highest point of jugular bulb was found between 4 and 9 mm away from the inferior border of IAC. The maximum distance found between bony orifice of vestibular aqueduct and IAC was 14 mm and the minimum distance was 6 mm.The vertical diameter of IAC ranged between 3 and 7 mm. These parameters may help the surgeons for better exposure of internal auditory canal and for avoiding damage to vital surrounding structures