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

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