Immediate effect of AUM chanting on autonomic functions, salivary nitric oxide and stress in healthy individuals: a randomisied controlled trial

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the immediate effects of structured sequential A, U, M, and AUM chanting versus standard OM chanting on autonomic function, salivary nitric oxide, and perceived stress in healthy young adults aged 18 to 30 years from SDM Institutions, Ujire, Karnataka. Participants will be randomized to either 10 minutes of sequential A, U, M, AUM chanting 2.5 minutes each or 10 minutes of OM chanting, performed with slow, controlled exhalations in a quiet sitting posture. Primary outcomes are heart rate variability (time and frequency domains like SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, LF, HF, LF HF ratio), heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and breath-holding time, assessed 5 minutes before and within 5 minutes post intervention in supine position using Power Lab HRV analysis and a validated BP monitor, salivary nitrite will be quantified via Berkeley test strips with the manufacturer’s app in the early morning. Secondary outcome is perceived stress using a 10 point visual analog scale immediately pre and post intervention. Apparently healthy males and females, 18 to 30 years, not on medications or supplements, no substance use, no recent illness, and not engaged in regular mind body practices. Exclusions include systemic illness, recent viral infection, pregnancy or menstruation on test day, analgesic or opioid use in prior week, and PSS 10 less than 26. Sample size is calculated using g power software and it is found to be 58, so 29 per group. The analyses will be done using JAMOVI software include paired tests within groups and independent tests between groups per normality. The study aims to generate immediate, mechanistic evidence on autonomic regulation and nitric oxide pathways with structured syllabic chanting compared to OM, with institutional ethics approval obtained.