Immediate effects of Uddiyana bandha on blood pressure and heart rate variability in healthy individuals – a randomized crossover study

Introduction

Lifestyle disorders are associated with autonomic dysfunction. Though Yogic practices have been shown to regulate autonomic balance, there is a lack of studies explaining the physiological effects of bandhas. Hence, the objective of the study was to find the effect of Uddiyana bandha on autonomic and cardiac functions using HRV and blood pressure in healthy individuals.

Materials and methods

Thirty healthy students were randomized into two groups (crossover study design adopted). Each group was asked to perform both Uddiyana bandha and control sessions (vice versa) in two different days. In the study session subjects were asked to perform Uddiyana bandha, whereas in the control session subjects were asked to sit in normal breathing for 10 min. Assessments were taken pre, during, immediately after and after 10 min of intervention.

Results

In between session analysis, there was a significant increase in SDNN, RMSSD, LF and LF/HF ratio and significant decrease in HF during the practice of Uddiyana bandha. In study session analysis, there was a significant increase in RRI, RMSSD and PNN50 and a decrease in heart rate between baseline and follow up. In the control session there was a significant decrease in HR during recovery period. There was a significant increase in the diastolic blood pressure immediately after the bandha which reverts back to normal after 10 min.

Conclusion

Results suggest a co-activation of both sympathetic and parasympathetic activity during practice of Uddiyana bandha making it difficult to arrive at a conclusion. There was a parasympathetic dominance in the recovery period (10 min after the bandha practice).