Abstract

Introduction: Yoga is emerging as an important modifying factor for health and behaviour to achieve better physical and mental well-being. Aim: To compare the heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure before and after the practice of Kapalabhati pranayama. Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dr. S.N. Medical College and Hospital, Jodhpur. Male Medical students of Dr. S. N. M. C. Jodhpur aged between 18 to 25 years who are co-operative and capable of understanding the procedure were enrolled in study. The procedure of each and every test was explained to the cases before conducting the tests. Detailed history including personal history, drug history and past medical history was taken and recorded in a prefixed questionnaire. Results: 25 subjects who fulfilled inclusion criteria with mean age of 21.12 ± 1.94 yr were included. There is an increase in resting heart rate, SDNN, RMSSD, and decrease in RR, NN50, pNN50, after the practice of Kapalabhati pranayama. Increase in LF (nu) and LF/HF and decrease in HF (nu) after the practice, also there is an increase in SBP and DBP after the practice of Kapalabhati pranayama. Conclusion: Immediate effect of Kapalabhati Pranayama is a shift of autonomic balance towards sympathetic predominance.

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