Immediate Hemodynamic Changes during Slow Uninostril and Alternate Nostril Breathing Patterns in Normotensive Adults.

Abstract

Objective: This interventional randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the immediate hemodynamic effects of slow uninostril and alternate nostril breathing (ANB) patterns in normotensive adults.

Methods: A total of 132 normotensive adults aged 25-50 years were randomly allocated into one of four groups: Chandra anulom vilom (CAV), Surya anulom vilom (SAV), Anuloma viloma/ANB, or control. Hemodynamic parameters including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulse rate were measured at baseline, once in between two prāṇāyāma rounds, postintervention, and 5 min after intervention completed.

Results: The study showed a significant decrease in SBP and DBP postintervention in the CAV and ANB groups compared to the SAV group. Furthermore, MAP was significantly lower in the ANB group relative to the control group. These results suggest that different types of prāṇāyāma can induce immediate changes in hemodynamic parameters even in nonpractitioners of yoga.

Conclusion: The study provides insights into the potential benefits of specific prāṇāyāma techniques on hemodynamic changes in normotensive individuals, indicating that such techniques could be beneficial in managing BP and overall hemodynamic status.