Effects of a six-month yoga intervention on vascular parameters in sedentary office workers: An interrupted time-series study design.

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the effects of a six-month yoga intervention on vascular parameters among sedentary office workers prone to health risks from prolonged sitting.

Materials and method: Thirty desk-based employees participated in a validated yoga program (five sessions/week) comprising asanas, pranayama, and meditation. Vascular function (carotid and superficial femoral artery) was evaluated by Doppler ultrasound at baseline (0 and 3 months) and postintervention (corresponding to the study's 6^th and 9^th month time points).

Results: Out of 30 participants, 24 completed the study (80% completion rate). The average age of those who completed the study was 26.5 ± 2.9 years. Their average weight was 67.5 ± 8.5 kilograms, and they stood at an average height of 1.73 ± 0.07 meters. The participants' mean body mass index was 22.6 kg/m² ±3.2 kg/m². A linear mixed model is fitted to the provided data with the months considered fixed effects. The investigation demonstrated statistically significant temporal changes in carotid and superficial femoral artery (SFA) parameters. Specifically, alterations in artery diameter, blood flow velocity, and shear stress were observed. These findings were determined to be significant at the 5% level (P < 0.05). However, the effect of the hour on SFA artery diameter is not significantly different across the months considered.

Conclusion: This study provides evidence for yoga as a potential intervention to enhance vascular function in desk-based environments, with implications for workplace productivity and employee well-being. Further research employing larger sample sizes and longitudinal designs is warranted to elucidate the long-term effects and mechanisms underlying the impact of yoga on mental health in office workers.