Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: May | Volume: 6 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 353-363
A Study to Compare the Effect of Raj Yoga and Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Cardio Respiratory Parameters in Indian Females of Reproductive Age Group
Dr. Arunima Chaudhuri1, Dr. Moumita Ghar2
1Associate Professor Department of Physiology, Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital (Affiliated to West Bengal University of Health Sciences), Rampurhat, West Bengal, India.
2Ex-Resident Department of Physiology, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, Burdwan, West Bengal, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Arunima Chaudhuri
ABSTRACT
Background: Indian females of specifically of reproductive age are highly stressed as they have to play multiple roles in the society and perceived stress may negatively affect cardio respiratory functions by altering cardiovascular reactivity.
Aims: To compare the effect of Raj yoga and Progressive Muscle Relaxation on cardio respiratory parameters in Indian Females of reproductive age group.
Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in Burdwan Medical college after taking institutional ethical clearance and informed consent of the subjects. Hundred healthy females in the reproductive age group performing RAJYOGA regularly and hundred healthy females in the reproductive age group performing Progressive muscle relaxation regularly at least for 3 months were selected from the local population. The group practicing Raj yoga was termed as Meditators and the other group as PMR practitioners. Stress level in the subjects was assessed according to the Presumptive stressful life event scale (PSLES). The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) of Sheldon Cohen was used to measure perceived stress scores. Anthropometric measurements, resting pulse rate and blood pressure, Valsalva ratio were recorded, followed by analysis of lipid profile, Pulmonary function tests.
Results: Both the groups were age matched and their food habits were comparable. Their PSLES scores showed no significant difference. PSS, BMI and waist/ hip ratio of both the groups practicing relaxation exercises were comparable. There was no significant difference in resting pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, Valsalva ratio, lipid profile, Pulmonary function tests between the two groups practicing raj yoga and PMR.
Conclusions: Progressive muscle relaxation is easy to learn and Practice. Raj yoga meditation as well as PMR are equally effective in reducing perceived stress in females of reproductive age group and thereby may decrease stress related morbidity and mortality in this group of population.
Key words: Raj Yoga, PMR, PSS, Cardio respiratory profile.
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