Abstract

Background: Ageing is associated with changes in cardiac autonomic control as measured by Heart rate variability. Heart rate variability is an indicator of the dynamic interaction and balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic system. The HRV can be measured non-invasively. Therefore it becomes an attractive measure to use in the study of the ANS to response to different stimuli. Sahaja yoga meditation creates a thoughtless awareness by virtue of which a balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system is achieved. Aims &
Objective: To evaluate and compare the HRV parameters in healthy subjects above 40 years before and after practice of Sahaja yoga meditation and to correlate HRV parameters with age.
Materials and Methods: The study included 30 healthy normal subjects above 40 years of age, willing for Sahaja yoga meditation, selected from JNMC campus as well as Wardha district. The study group was between 40-70 years of age. The time and frequency domain parameters of HRV were evaluated in all 30 subjects using RMS polyrite machine. The subjects were trained to practice sahaja yoga meditation. After 3 months of meditation practice, they were again evaluated for HRV parameters. The results were analyzed using unpaired student test & Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
Results: The mean heart rate of the subjects decreased significantly from 72.59 ± 10.5 to 68.30 ± 7.5 ( p value < 0.01 after meditation practice. The LF/HF ratio decreased significantly after meditation. The time domain parameters i.e. SDNN and pNN50% were found to be significantly high (p value < 0.01) after 3 months of meditation Age was negatively correlated with the pre LF and pre HF which was not significant. Conclusion: The present study signifies the role of Sahaja yoga meditation in the modification of age associated decline in the HRV in healthy subjects above 40 years. Therefore this study recommends daily practice of Sahaja yoga meditation for prevention of risk of cardiac autonomic dysfunction with increasing age.