Effects of Yoga on Heart Rate Variability and Mood in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Kaohsiung Medical University
- Enrollment
- 52
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change from baseline in heart rate variability at week 9
Study Overview
Brief Summary
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.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 50 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- Female
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •aged 18-50 years old
- •body mass index < 30 kg/m2
Exclusion Criteria
- •currently engaged in regular yoga practice
- •had physical contraindications to exercise
Arms & Interventions
Control group
Usual level of physical activity; no involvement in any yoga practice during the course of the study
Yoga group
Two yoga sessions per week for 8 weeks
Intervention: Yoga (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change from baseline in heart rate variability at week 9
Time Frame: The ourcome measure was assessed at baseline and at week 9
Heart rate variability analysis was derived from continuous heart rate recording, at a sampling rate of 1024 Hz, using an electrocardiogram (ECG) system (MP 150, BIOPAC Systems, Goleta, CA, USA). Participants were instructed to avoid exercise one day before the assessment session and abstain from caffeinated food and beverages on the day of assessment. During the assessment, participants were instructed to relax in a supine position with no other tasks or stimulation for 20 minutes while the ECG was recording. The last 10 minutes of the ECG recording was analyzed for HRV. R-R intervals were computed and the HRV power spectrum was obtained via a fast Fourier transformation algorithm using an appropriate software program (HRV Analysis for Windows, version 1.1; Biosignal Imaging Group and Analysis, the University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland).
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
I-Hua Chu, PT, PhD
Assistant Professor
Kaohsiung Medical University