Comparative Study of effect of Slow and Fast Suryanamaskar on Work Load of Heart in Normal Human Subjects

Objective: To compare the work load on heart by slow and fast suryanamaskar.

Background: Suryanamaskar, an integral component of yoga is an excellent practice that stretches and tones the whole body. Various schools of yoga differ in the practice of suryanamaskar (SN). Some schools advocate performance in a slow manner in tune with slow breathing, while others advocate a rapid method of performing multiple rounds in a fast manner similar to physical exercise. It has been suggested that SN at different speeds provides different benefits. In the present study, we planned to determine the immediate effect of slow and fast suryanamaskar on heart rate and blood pressure of normal young volunteers.

Method: Thirty healthy school children were randomly divided into two groups of 15 each. Group I underwent training in fast suryanamaskar while group II were given training in slow suryanamaskar. Blood pressure and heart rate were determined before and immediately after the practice of suryanamaskar in both the groups.

Result: Fast suryanamaskar produced a significant increase in systolic pressure, pulse pressure and rate pressure product. On the other hand, slow suryanamaskar produced a significant decrease in diastolic pressure but there was no significant change in systolic pressure or rate-pressure product. Thus it was evident that the cardiovascular response to suryanamaskar depends on the manner in which it is performed. Slow suryanamaskar is non-taxing to the heart and hence can be prescribed to hypertensive patients and for rehabilitation of cardiac patients.

Conclusion: It is recommended that slow suryanamaskar may be used as a lifestyle component for school children and also for subjects with pre and stage I hypertension and mild degree cardiac patients undergoing rehabilitation.