Immediate Effect of Chandra and Suryanadi Pranayamas on Cardiovascular Parameters and Reaction Time in a Geriatric Population

Previous studies have reported differential physiological and psychological effects of exclusive right and left nostril breathing. Though potential health benefits have been postulated, further clinical research is required to prove immediate and sustained efficacy of these techniques. This study evaluated immediate effects of exclusive right (SNP) and left (CNP) nostril breathing on cardiovascular (CV) parameters and reaction time (RT) in a geriatric population. 26 subjects attending regular yoga sessions at a senior citizen hospice, were recruited for this self-controlled study. They were instructed to sit in any comfortable posture and relax for 5 min before taking the pre-intervention recordings of Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), auditory and visual RT (ART and VRT respectively). They then performed the selected technique and parameters were recorded immediately after performance of 9 rounds of either SNP or CNP. The entire sequence of recordings was randomised to avoid any bias. Intra and inter group statistical analysis was carried out using Student's paired t test for data that passed normality testing and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test applied for the others. Overall intra-group comparison of pre-post data and inter-group Δ % comparisons showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences for all parameters. There was an overall reduction in HR and BPbased parameters following both SNP and CNP. However, inter-group Δ % comparisons revealed a significantly greater reduction after CNP for all parameters. Inter-group comparisons revealed highly significant decreases (p < 0.001) in VRT and ART after SNP. In conclusion, our study sheds new light on the physiological changes occurring after SNP and CNP in a geriatric population. While both techniques reduce HR and BP, CNP does it more significantly. There is shortening of RT following SNP and this may be attributed to enhance sensory motor function that is of great significance in the elderly. We suggest that Yoga should be part of the heath care facilities for the elderly as it can enhance their quality of life and improve their overall health status.