PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF YOGA TRAINING IN PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS

Dayanidy G1, Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani2, Madanmohan3

1 Lecturer, CYTER2 Deputy Director, CYTER 3 Director CYTER and Head Dept of Physiology MGMCRI, SBV

SRI BALAJI VIDYAPEETH(Deemed University Accredited with “A” Grade by NAAC)

Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education

and Research (CYTER)Salutogenesis, our focus!

Introduction

• Yoga is primarily a spiritual science.• Healthy life & worldview is a by-product of its

practice. • It is essential that paramedics are physically,

mentally & spiritually healthy.

Materials and Methods

• Yoga training was given to undergraduate physiotherapy students of Mother Theresa Post Graduate & Research Institute of Health Sciences (MTPG & RIHS) • Various psycho-physiological parameters

were studied to scientifically validate training.

Materials and Methods

• Integrated Yoga sessions comprising of: jathis (loosening practices), kriyas (breath-body coordination practices) along with asana, pranayama, contemplation & relaxation

• Conducted for 15 (12 F & 3 M) students twice weekly for 12 weeks.

• Anthropometric, cardiovascular, heart rate variability (HRV), reaction time and psychological parameters measured before and after training period

• Statistical analysis done using Students t (paired) test.

ResultsSignificant reductions following the training :• weight• BMI &• hip - waist circumference

• All resting cardiovascular parameters reduced significantly • Significant shortening of auditory and visual

reaction time. • Improvements were noted in all HRV parameters

& there was enhancement of quality of life index (QOL) scores & retrospective wellness scores.

Results

Discussion • Change in Anthropometric parameters may be

attributed to an improved metabolic activity due to regular practice of the technique.• It indicates a better autonomic regulation of the

heart with decreased oxygen consumption and load.• Improved central neuronal processing. • Improvement in HRV and QOL indices.

Conclusion

• Our study gives preliminary evidence of positive psychophysiological benefits of Yoga training in a graduate student population. • Improvements in anthropometric, cardiovascular &

neurological parameters, coupled with positive changes in HRV and QOL indices signify a healthier state of body & mind.

Thank You