Abstract

Background: Stress is an unavoidable part of life and it causes many unwell effects. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disorder, which can be caused by stress. By reducing anxiety, meditation has numeral useful effects on the functioning of the individual body. Aims and Objectives: This study is contemplated to focus on the results of Raja yoga meditation in patients with DM by studying its impact on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and pulmonary function tests (PFTs).
Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out on 90 participants. They were divided into three teams, Group I: Thirty non-diabetic, non-meditators, Group II: Thirty non-meditators, diagnosed type 2 DM for over 5 years, and Group III: Thirty diagnosed patients of type 2 DM for over 5 years and practicing Raja yoga meditation for over 5 years PFT, BP, and HR were measured. Results were analyzed statistically.
Results: It was found that systolic as well as diastolic BP and HR were considerably high in Group II as compared to Group III. Systolic and diastolic BP between Group III and Group I does not show any significant difference. In Group II, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, expiratory reserve volume (ERV), forced expiratory flow (FEF25–75%), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were significantly reduced as compared to Group I. FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25–75%, and ERV in Group III were significantly higher when compare with Group II; however, the mean of MVV, IRV, and PEFR was higher in Group III compared to Group II, but it does not show any significant difference. The mean of FVC, MVV, IRV, and ERV of Group I and Group III shows statistical significance, except for FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25–75%, and PEFR.
Conclusions: Regular practice of Raja yoga meditation results in low risk of developing cardiopulmonary diseases in diabetic patients.