Title
Effect of Bhastrika pranayama on neuro- cardiovascular-respiratory function among yoga practitioners
Authors
Varun Malhotra1,*, Danish Javed2 & Tanusha Pathak1
Affiliation
1Department of Physiology, AIIMS, Bhopal, India; 2Department of AYUSH, AIIMS, Bhopal, India; *Corresponding author
Danish Javed - E - mail: danish.ayush@aiimsbhopal.edu.in
Varun Malhotra - E - mail: varun.physiology@aiimsbhopal.edu.in
Tanusha Pathak - E - mail: tanusha11pathak@gmail.com
Article Type
Research Article
Date
Received November 1, 2024; Revised November 30, 2024; Accepted November 30, 2024, Published November 30, 2024
Abstract
Bhastrika Pranayama, a vigorous yoga breathing technique, impacts both the autonomic nervous system and brain function. This prospective interventional study examined the acute effects of Bhastrika on heart rate variability (HRV) and electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns in 20 regular yoga practitioners. Significant increases in heart rate and sympathetic activity, as well as alterations in brain wave spectra, were observed during and after the practice indicated by a rise in low-frequency (LF) power and the LF/HF ratio, along with a decrease in high-frequency (HF) power and a substantial decrease in beta, theta, alpha and gamma waves while delta waves increased. The findings suggest Bhastrika enhances sympathetic activity and modifies cognitive states. Further research is necessary to understand its long-term benefits and therapeutic potential.
Keywords
Bhastrika Pranayama, heart rate variability, electroencephalography, sympathetic nervous system, yoga, brain waves, autonomic nervous system physiology
Citation
Malhotra et al. Bioinformation 20(11): 1549-1554 (2024)
Edited by
P Kangueane
ISSN
0973-2063
Publisher
License
This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. This is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
