Yoga has become an increasingly popular form of exercise and spiritual exploration over the past decade, with millions of people globally incorporating yoga into their lives. From yoga retreats in Bali to yoga classes in major cities, yoga is now more accessible than ever. Yoga provides its practitioners with numerous benefits; it can improve strength and flexibility, reduce stress levels, and enhance mental clarity. Furthermore, yoga has an additional spiritual dimension that can help participants reflect on their lives and live healthier lives. With regular practice and dedication, yoga can bring harmony to one’s body and mind.
While previous research has found evidence that yoga interventions and exercise have similar cardiovascular outcomes, there is variability in yoga types. This led researchers to apply a scientific approach to identify the cardiovascular risk factors that yoga may be beneficial for and how it could be applied in a healthcare setting.
The study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology analyzed 60 individuals that had previously been diagnosed with high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome for an exercise program. The participants were divided into two groups, which performed 15 minutes of either structured yoga or stretching in addition to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise training five times a week for three months.
It was found that after three months, there was a decrease in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, and heart rate in both groups. However, in the yoga group, systolic blood pressure was reduced by ten mmHg, whereas in the stretching group, it was only reduced by four mmHg. The yoga approach also reduced resting heart rate and the 10-year cardiovascular risk assessed using Reynold’s Risk score.
Researchers believe this study provides evidence that yoga could be used as an additional non-pharmacologic therapy option for cardiovascular risk reduction and blood pressure control in patients with hypertension.
Lead investigator Paul Poirier, MD, said, “As observed in several studies, we recommend that patients try to find exercise and stress relief for the management of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in whatever form they find most appealing. Our study shows that structured yoga practices can be a healthier addition to aerobic exercise than simply muscle stretching.”
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