Examination of Yoga on Heart Rate Variability and Mindfulness Levels

Abstract

The aim of the study is to examine the effect of yoga practices on heart rate variability and mindfulness levels. A total of 52 women who did and didn’t do yoga (Mean age= 30.25±5.58) voluntarily participated in the study. Heart rate variability was measured using the HeartMath brand emWave Pro+. Using the Emwave Pro device, the resting heart rate variability measurements were taken for 5 minutes in the sitting position. For this study, SDNN, RMSSD, MeanHR, LF/HF, and coherence parameters were evaluated. The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) was used to determine the mindfulness levels of the participants. According to the findings, a statistically significant difference was found in favor of the yoga group in the levels of SDNN (p>.005), meanHR (p>.020), and awareness (p>.041)”. There is no significant difference in RMSSD (P =.050), LF/HF (P <.232), and Coherence (P <.718) parameters. As a result, yoga practices increase HRV. It is also an application that helps women to improve their mindfulness level.