The Impact of Yoga on Heart Rate Variability: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Authors

  • Selvaraj Giridharan Consultant Oncologist.Department of Medical Oncology Tawam Hospitals Al Ain, UAE Author
  • Jawaher Ansari Consultant Oncologist.Department of Medical Oncology Tawam Hospitals Al Ain, UAE Author
  • Hari Pannerselvam Specialist Registrar in Gastroenterology Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS trust WorcetserUnited Kingdom Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/IRJAY.2024.71205

Keywords:

Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Yoga, Autonomic Regulation, Chronic Conditions, Para sympatheticetic Activity

Abstract

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) serves as an indicator of autonomic nervous system  function, reflecting the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activities. Elevated  HRV is associated with enhanced cardiovascular health and resilience to stress, while reduced  HRV correlates with adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic  disorders, and mental health conditions. Yoga, an ancient mind-body practice, has the potential  to enhance HRV by improving autonomic regulation. This review aims to evaluate the impact  of yoga on HRV in both healthy individuals and clinical populations. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus,  and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between  2015 and 2024. Eligible studies were required to assess the effects of yoga on HRV in diverse  populations. Data extraction focused on the characteristics of the interventions, HRV metrics,  and outcomes. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Results: A total of twenty-three studies were included in this review. Findings indicated that  yoga interventions improved HRV in participants with cardiovascular conditions, metabolic  syndrome, and chronic pain, as evidenced by increased high-frequency (HF) power and a  reduced low-frequency to high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio, which suggest enhanced autonomic  function. Results regarding mental health populations were heterogeneous, with some  demonstrated improvements in HRV, while data from healthy individuals indicated limited  changes in HRV, suggesting that yoga may be particularly beneficial for patients with autonomic  dysfunction. The quality of the studies varied, with notable limitations pertaining to blinding  and sample size. Conclusion: Yoga may have the potential to improve HRV, particularly among patients with  chronic conditions. However, the inconsistent findings observed in mental health and healthy  populations underscore the necessity for standardized interventions and further research. This  review provides support for the incorporation of yoga as a complementary approach aimed at  enhancing autonomic function and overall well-being. 

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Published

2024-12-31

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 12 (2024): International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga (Dec) (2024)

Section

Editorial

How to Cite

Giridharan, S., Ansari, J., & Pannerselvam, H. (2024). The Impact of Yoga on Heart Rate Variability: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials . International Research Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga, 7(12), 30-41. https://doi.org/10.48165/IRJAY.2024.71205
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