Background: First year medical students have reported a high level of perceived stress. Yogic breathing technique
“Pranayama” is said to balance two limbs of autonomic nervous system and therefore advocated for stress reduction and
prevention of related diseases. Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Nadi
Shuddhi Pranayama on perceived stress and cardiovascular autonomic functions in 1st year medical students. Materials
and Methods: The present study was carried out in one of the tertiary care hospitals of Mumbai. A total of 60 subjects
(age 18–22 years) practised Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama daily for 12 weeks under the supervision of certified yoga trainer.
Following parameters were recorded before and after 12 weeks of training; perceived stress scale (PSS) score, heart rate
(HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), DBP response to isometric handgrip (IHG) test. Results:
There was a significant decrease in PSS scores after intervention. A significant decrease was also seen in cardiovascular
autonomic functions such as HR, SBP, DBP, and DBP response to IHG test. Conclusion: Regular practice of Nadi
Shuddhi Pranayama helps in reducing stress in 1st year medical students as evidenced by the corresponding decrease in
cardiovascular autonomic parameters.
KEY WORDS: Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama; Perceived Stress Scale; Cardiovascular Autonomic Functions; Medical Students
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