n/a
Abstract Title:

The effects of short-term relaxation therapy on indices of heart rate variability and blood pressure in young adults.

Abstract Source:

Am J Health Promot. 2014 Sep-Oct;29(1):23-8. Epub 2013 Nov 7. PMID: 24200249

Abstract Author(s):

Gopal Krushna Pal, Venkata Ganesh, Shanmugavel Karthik, Nivedita Nanda, Pravati Pal

Article Affiliation:

Gopal Krushna Pal

Abstract:

PURPOSE: Assessment of short-term practice of relaxation therapy on autonomic and cardiovascular functions in first-year medical students.

DESIGN: Case-control, interventional study.

SETTING: Medical college laboratory.

SUBJECTS: Sixty-seven medical students, divided into two groups: study group (n = 35) and control group (n = 32).

INTERVENTION: Study group subjects practiced relaxation therapy (shavasana with a soothing background music) daily 1 hour for 6 weeks. Control group did not practice relaxation techniques.

MEASURES: Cardiovascular parameters and spectral indices of heart rate variability (HRV) were recorded before and after the 6-week practice of relaxation therapy.

ANALYSIS: The data between the groups and the data before and after practice of relaxation techniques were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Student t-test. In the study group, prediction of low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (LF-HF) of HRV, the marker of sympathovagal balance, to blood pressure (BP) status was assessed by logistic regression.

RESULTS: In the study group, there was significant reduction in heart rate (p = .0001), systolic (p = .0010) and diastolic (p = .0021) pressure, and rate pressure product (p<.0001), and improvement in HRV indices, following 6 weeks of relaxation therapy. As determined by regression model, prediction of LF-HF to BP status was more significant (odds ratio, 2.7; p = .009) after practice of relaxation therapy. There was no significant alteration in these parameters in control subjects.

CONCLUSION: Short-term practice of relaxation therapy can improve autonomic balance and promote cardiovascular health of medical students. Sympathovagal balance is directly linked to BP status in these individuals.

Study Type : Human Study

Print Options


Key Research Topics

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.