Effects of Yoga on Heart Rate Variability and Mood in Women

Kaohsiung Medical University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Heart Rate Variability

Treatments: Other: Yoga

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02153385

KMU-Q099012

Details and patient eligibility

About

Background: Women are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, which have been linked to reduced heart rate variability (HRV) and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week yoga program on HRV and mood in generally healthy women. The investigators hypothesized that there would be improvements in HRV and reductions in perceived stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety after the yoga intervention.

Methods: Fifty-two healthy women were randomized to either a yoga group or a control group. Participants in the yoga group completed an 8-week yoga program, which comprised a 60-minute session, twice a week. Each session consisted of breathing exercises, yoga pose practice, and supine meditation/relaxation. Participants' HRV, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and state and trait anxiety were assessed at baseline and week 9.

Enrollment: 52 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 50 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• women
• aged 18-50 years old
• body mass index < 30 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

• currently engaged in regular yoga practice
• pregnant
• nursing
• had physical contraindications to exercise

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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52 participants in 2 patient groups

Yoga group

Experimental group

Description:

Two yoga sessions per week for 8 weeks

Treatment:

Other: Yoga

Control group

No Intervention group

Description:

Usual level of physical activity; no involvement in any yoga practice during the course of the study