J.Saravanan*, Dr.P.KanagaSabai**
ABSTRACT
Yoga, a form of physical activity is rapidly gaining popularity and has many health benefits. The study was designed to find out the effects of Yogasana and pranayama on the selected biochemical and physiological variables. Sixty male students studying B.P.Ed, in the Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Annamalai University were selected randomly as subjects and their age ranged between 25-28years. They were divided into four groups of fifteen each. Group I served as a control; Group II as Asana; Group III Pranayama and Group IV Yogasana (Asana and Pranayama). Yogasana practices were given to all the selected subjects except the control for three months (4 days/week). Biochemical and physiological variables were analyzed before and after the treatment of yoga. Data were collected and statistically analyzed using ANOVA and DMRT. Results showed that Asana and Pranayama treatment moderates the lipid levels and blood pressure than other groups. The study also reveals that combined work of Asana and Pranayama significantly improves HDL concentration and decreases blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL level. …show more content…
INTRODUCTION
Yoga a form of physical activity consisting of various postures (Asanas) and breathing and meditation techniques (Pranayama) (Nayak and Shankar, 2004) have been shown to have therapeutic benefits for individuals with a wide range of health conditions, including hypertension (McCaffrey et al., 2005) and diabetic (Bijlani et al., 2005). Yoga also appears to be effective in reducing stress (Kreitzer et al, 2005) and improving exercise tolerance as it is related to cardiovascular response (Madanmohan et al., 2004).
Yogic techniques are known to improve ones overall performance. Pranayama is known to be a part of yogic techniques. Patanjali in his yoga sutra describes-Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi as eight angas (parts) of yoga (Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, 2000). Amongst them, in the present materialistic world, the third and fourth part, Pranayama and Asana (Postures) are considered as very important parts and prescribed by modern medicine