Effect of combined yoga programme on blood levels of thyroid hormones: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

There are marked variations in thyroid axis function with advancing age. Yoga is a comprehensive mind-body approach, regular practice of which claim to delay the onset of aging process. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of combine graded yoga program on the basal level of thyroid hormones in healthy middle-aged adults. Forty five healthy men and women were divided into two groups, that is, yoga practicing (experimental: male 15, age 42.80 ± 7.43 yrs; female 8, age 44.75 ± 8.40 yrs) and waitlisted control group (male 15, age 41.67 ± 7.87 yrs; female 7, age 45.43 ± 7.00 yrs). The experimental group underwent combine yogic practices daily in the morning for 6 days/week for 12 weeks, whereas control group continued their usual routine activities. Basal level of serum thyrotropin (TSH), Triiodothyronine (T 3) and Thyroxine (T 4) were measured before commencement and after 6 and 12 weeks of yogic training. The repeated measure ANOVA was used for data analysis. Percentage (%) was also calculated from the mean value to see the quantitative changes of yogic training. Twelve weeks of yogic training produces a significant (least significant difference, p < 0.05) increase in serum TSH level for male and decrease in T 3 and T 4 for both male and female groups as compared to their baseline data, whereas no such changes were observed in the control group during these 12 weeks. Combine approach of graded yogic training modulates the secretion and function of thyroid hormones, identified as one of the regulatory factor associated with aging process.

Full text

Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 16 (Suppl), June 2017, pp. S 9-S 16
Effect of combined yoga programme on blood levels of thyroid hormones:
A quasi-experimental study
Sridip Chatterjee* & Samiran Mondal**
*Department of Physical Education, The University of Burdwan, Golapbag Campus, Burdwan - 713104, West Bengal;
**Department of Physical Education, Vinaya Bhavana, Visva Bharati, Santiniketan - 731235, West Bengal, India
E-mails: sritun14@gmail.com, samiran.mondal@visva-bharati.ac.in
Received 05 July 2016, revised 23 September 2016
There are marked variations in thyroid axis function with advancing age. Yoga is a comprehensive mind-body approach,
regular practice of which claim to delay the onset of aging process. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect
of combine graded yoga program on the basal level of thyroid hormones in healthy middle-aged adults. Forty five healthy
men and women were divided into two groups, that is, yoga practicing (experimental: male 15, age 42.80 ± 7.43 yrs; female
8, age 44.75 ± 8.40 yrs) and waitlisted control group (male 15, age 41.67 ± 7.87 yrs; female 7, age 45.43 ± 7.00 yrs).
The experimental group underwent combine yogic practices daily in the morning for 6 days/week for 12 weeks, whereas
control group continued their usual routine activities. Basal level of serum thyrotropin (TSH), Triiodothyronine (T3) and
Thyroxine (T4) were measured before commencement and after 6 and 12 weeks of yogic training. The repeated measure
ANOVA was used for data analysis. Percentage (%) was also calculated from the mean value to see the quantitative changes
of yogic training. Twelve weeks of yogic training produces a significant (least significant difference, p < 0.05) increase in
serum TSH level for male and decrease in T3 and T4 for both male and female groups as compared to their baseline data,
whereas no such changes were observed in the control group during these 12 weeks. Combine approach of graded
yogic training modulates the secretion and function of thyroid hormones, identified as one of the regulatory factor associated
with aging process.
Keywords: Middle-aged, TSH, T3, T4
IPC Int. Cl.8: C07, C07G 15/00, A61K 38/08, A61K38/22, G01N 33/48, A61B 5/145, A61K 5/02
The biological process of normal aging is progressive
in nature and following a complex unidirectional
pattern1. In general with other systems, the endocrine
system is also affected by normal aging process.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis undergoes a
significant number of complex physiological alterations
associated with aging. Physical activity has been
reported to affect endocrine function2-3. Any mode of
exercise or physical activity corresponds to a physical
stress on the endocrine system that challenges
homeostasis4-5. The influence of exercise on thyroid
function is controversial and seems to depend on the
intensity and the duration of the training protocol6.
Yoga is an ancient Indian mind-body technique
intended to stabilize and reconditioning the psycho-
physiological make-up7-9 which influence the natural
endocrinal homeostasis10-11 within the body. Yoga
offers a unique combination of mild to moderate
physical exercise (suryanamaskar and asana), cleansing
process (kriya), breathing control (pranayama) and
meditation (dhyana). Seldom scientific research on
the effect of yoga (single or combined interventions)
on thyroid hormones relating to aging, are available.
Werner
et al
.
12
investigated the effect of long
term practice of transcendental meditation (TM)
and TM-
sidhi
programme on some endocrine
variables. TSH, T
3
, T
4
, prolactin, GH and cortisol
in serum were taken on five consecutive days
(initial and after 5, 49, 115 and 167 weeks). All
samples were drawn one hour following 30-60
min of practice of meditation. A progressive
decrease in serum TSH, GH and prolactin levels
occurred over the three years while no consistent
change in cortisol, T
3
and T
4
levels were
observed. Maclean
et al
.
13
studied the effect of
transcendental meditation programme in hormonal
levels. Healthy male volunteers, ages 18-32 yrs
were screened through the use of health
questionnaires and a medical examination.
Following the first laboratory stress session
——————
*Corresponding author

INDIAN J TRADIT KNOWLE, VOL. 16, (SUPPL), JUNE 2017
S
10
s
(pre-test) subject were assigned randomly to
participate in 4 months either the transcendental
meditation programme or a stress education
control programme. After 4 months, there was a
second laboratory stress session. Blood samples
were collected before and after transcendental
meditation. Cortisol and TSH were decreased,
whereas growth hormone increased after 4 months
of transcendental meditation.
In a prospective
randomized control trial Gorden et al.14 evaluated the
effects of yoga and traditional physical training
exercise regimens on fasting blood glucose, serum
insulin, TSH, T3 and T4 at baseline, after three
months and six months in individuals with type
2 diabetic mellitus. They reported that there is no
significant change in TSH, T3 and T4 level after the
practice of yoga or traditional physical exercise and
control groups during three different (at 0, 3 and 6
months) periods.
The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid
axis plays an important role in metabolism of
almost all body tissues, energy homeostasis,
growth and tissue differentiation as well as gene
expression and thermoregulation in the body
throughout the life
15-16
. Moreover growing bodies
of animal and human studies indicate thyroid
hormones also play a role in cardiovascular,
nervous, immune and reproductive system
development and function
17-18
. Adequate thyroid
function is essential for normal development
and retention of cognitive function throughout
life
19
. Therefore, balanced functioning of this
hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis is essential
for longevity and thus promotes successful
aging
20
. Whereas, it is reported in the ancient
hatha yogic
texts that regular practice of
yoga
delay the onset of normal aging process and
thus, sound health is secured
21-23
. However, no
systematic attempt has been made so far as to
examine the effect of combine graded
yogic
training on pituitary-thyroid axis. Therefore, in
the present study an attempt has been made to
observe the effect of combine graded
yogic
training on the basal level of TSH, T
3
and T
4
.
Methodology
Subjects
To meet the purpose of the study a “
Yoga
Awareness Camp” was organized in Bolpur
Municipalty area through a local advertisement.
Fifty middle-aged male and female willingly
registered their names to attend this
yoga
camp.
Five subjects were excluded from the study
due to major injury and illness.
Finally a group of
45 age and sex matched untrained volunteers,
between 35-55 yrs of age were recruited in this study.
All the subjects were from almost same socio-
economical background and recreationally active but
not specifically acquainted with the yogic practices
prior to training.
Study designed
The study was a quasi-experimental, pre-test, mid-
test and post-test comparison group designed. Two
groups (yoga and wait list control) by three times
(pre-test, mid-test and post-test) interaction were
used. Subjects were divided into two groups in respect
to the serial of their registration. On the basis of serial
of the registration first group (n = 23) was represented
as yoga group (Male 15; age 42.80 + 7.43 yrs;
Female 8, age 44.75 + 8.40 yrs). Whereas the second
group (n = 22) served as a waitlist control group
(Male 15, age 41.67 + 7.87 years; Female 7, age 45.43
+ 7.00 yrs).
The ‘Board of Studies’, Department of
Physical Education, Visva-Bharati University,
Santiniketan, West Bengal, India, went through the
whole procedure of this study and forwarded this
to the Institutional Research Board. Finally,
the University Research Board approved the study.
The subjects were familiarized with the aims
and objectives of the study as well as laboratory
environment and their written consent obtained. They
were normally healthy. Subjects were free from any
metabolic ailments and were not on any medication
prior to the study. Both groups were assessed
three times each, under similar conditions. Baseline
assessments were made prior to beginning of the yoga
training (pre-test). After this the experimental group
received training in yoga, while the control group
carried on with their routine activities. Subsequent
assessments for both the groups were done after 6
(mid-test) and 12 weeks (post-test) accordingly.
Variables studied
In this study, chronological age, standing height, body
weight, body mass index (BMI), basal level of plasma
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Triiodothyronine
(T3) and Thyroxine (T4) were measured by
Enzyme-
Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method.
Yoga training protocol
The combination of yoga practices are adopted for
this study. The yoga group (experimental) pursued

CHATTERJEE & MONDAL: EFFECT OF YOGA ON THYROID HORMONES
S 11
training in suryanamaskar (dynamic physical posture),
asanas (static physical postures), kriyas (cleansing
practices), pranayamas (breathing control) and
dhyana (meditation) for a period of 12 weeks.
Progressive training load were applied in terms of
time, degree of difficulty and repetitions from the first
week to 12 weeks of the training period. In the initial
stage of training, first one week, duration of practice
was 45 min. Practiced time was increased gradually
and reached 90 min at the beginning of 6 week, mid
stage of training. Finally one hour 45 min practice
time was fixed in the 8 week and continued for
12 weeks. From 8th week onward 3 types of practice
combination were used. Each of this combination
was practiced 2 days in a week. There are few
yogic techniques which cannot be practiced regularly,
whereas other technique needs longer time to practice.
Therefore to justify the training load and maintain it
accordingly the present researcher adopted this
combination schedule. In the initial stage of training
very simple techniques were introduced whereas,
advance techniques were given in between 6-8 week
of the training period. The subjects were practiced
yoga session in the morning for 6 days in a week
for 12 weeks with an individual attendance of 83 – 87
%. Waitlist control group was given no specific
intervention and continued with their routine
activities. They attend “health and positive mental
attitude awareness” class in a day per week. A general
record book was also maintained to note their daily
activity level and lifestyle. The detailed protocol of
yoga training followed was reported elsewhere24.
Statistical analysis
In the present study the repeated measures analysis
of variance (ANOVA) was used for data analysis.
Repeated measures “Analysis of Variances” (RM
ANOVA) is one in which multiple measurements on
the same experimental subjects comprise the replicate
data. Here, RM ANOVA was used to test for (i)
significant differences between the assessments, i.e.,
at baseline (pre-test), after 6 weeks (mid-test) and
12 weeks (post-test) and this was a within subjects
factor denoted by time and (ii) differences between
the groups (Yoga and Wait list control), this was a
between subjects factor, and the test for a time by
group interaction provide a global test for an
intervention effect. Post data were compared to
pre- and mid data of respective group using post-hoc
analysis with bonferroni adjustment. The level of
significant was set at 0.05 levels (p < 0.5). Simple
percentages (%) were also calculated from the mean
value to see the quantitative changes of the yogic
training.
Results
Baseline characteristics
Before commencement of the
yogic
training
baseline difference between experimental (
yoga
)
and control group for the selected variables were
calculated (Independent ‘t’ test) and insignificant
difference were observed for both male and female
groups (Table 1). This insignificant values of
independent ‘t’ test established the homogeneity
between the experimental (
yoga
group) and control
group before application of combined yoga
training.
Physical characteristics
The body weight and BMI of experimental group
(male & female) decreased significantly (p < 0.001)
after 12 weeks of graded yogic training in comparison
to baseline where as in the control group no
such changes were observed during these 12 weeks
(Table 2).
Endocrine variables
In the present study the basal level of serum TSH
was increased significantly after 12 weeks of graded
yogic training compared to base line in the male
group, where as in the female group the insignificant
increment was observed. In contrast no such changes
were observed in the control group for both male and
female during these 12 weeks. The improvements
were recorded 8.59 % (p > 0.05, paired t-test, pre-test
versus mid-test) after 6 and 24.85 % (p < 0.05, paired
t-test, pre-test versus post-test) after 12 weeks in male
group. In the female group improvements were
recorded as 20.76 % (p > 0.05, paired t-test, pre-test
versus mid-test) after 6 and 33.47 % (p > 0.05, paired
t-test, pre-test versus post-test) after 12 weeks
Table1 — Baseline characteristics (Independent‘t’ test)
Sl. No.
Variables Male
(Experimental
pre-test vs
Control pre-
test)
Female
(Experimental
pre-test
vs Control
pre-test)
1. Body weight (Kg) P = 0.49 P = 0.99
2.
Body Mass Index
(Kg/Mt
2
) P = 0.40 P = 0.76
3. TSH (ng/ml) P = 0.99 P = 0.95
4. T
3
(ng/ml) P = 0.90 P = 0.98
5. T
4
(ng/ml) P = 0.57 P = 0.77

INDIAN J TRADIT KNOWLE, VOL. 16, (SUPPL), JUNE 2017
S
12
s
(Figs. 1&2). The basal level of serum T3 was
decreased significantly after 12 weeks of graded
yogic training compared to base line in the male and
female group, where as no such changes were
observed in the control group for both male and
female during these 12 weeks. The basal T3 level in
the serum were declined 10.45 % (p > 0.05, paired
t-test, pre-test versus mid-test) after 6 and 35.82 %
(p < 0.001, paired t-test, pre-test versus post-test)
after 12 weeks in male group. In the female group it
was recorded as 27.42 % (p > 0.05, paired t-test,
pre-test versus mid-test) after 6 and 43.55 %
(p > 0.05, paired t-test, pre-test versus post-test) after
12 weeks (Figs. 3&4).
The basal level of serum T4 was decreased
significantly after 12 weeks of graded yogic training
compared to base line in the male and female group,
where as no such changes were observed in the
control group for both male and female during these
12 weeks. The basal T4 level in the serum was
declined 4.23 % (p > 0.05, paired t-test, pre-test
versus mid-test) after 6 and 18.52 % (p < 0.01, paired
t-test, pre-test versus post-test) after twelve weeks in
male group. In the female group it was recorded
as 9.34 % (p > 0.05, paired t-test, pre-test versus
mid-test) after 6 and 30.31 % (p > 0.01, paired t-test,
pre-test versus post-test) after 12 weeks (Figs. 5&6).
Discussion
All endocrine glands are subject to the effect of
aging process2. An age dependent reduction of TSH
secretion rate has been reported earlier25. The reason
for such age dependent reduction of TSH secretion is
uncertain, whereas serum T3 and T4 concentrations
increased with age or unchanged26. TSH production
and secretion are stimulated by hypothalamic
thyrotrophin-relesing hormone (TRH) and suppressed
by thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) in a negative feedback
control system. The decreased thyroid levels observed
in normal aging process are due to lower TSH
concentrations. TRH also decreased with advancing
age may reduce the secretion of TSH27-28. Therefore
the Imbalance in thyroid hormones in humans
associated with aging arises from dysfunction of the
thyroid gland itself, the pituitary gland and the
hypothalamus. On the contrary, yoga is a profound
ancient technique, one way which reduced resting
heart rate, respiratory rate, metabolic activity and
energy expenditure29 as observed during the practice
of dhyana (meditation) and few meditative and
Table 2 — General and Endocrine variables of experimental and waitlist control group (Mean + SD)
Components Experimental group (
yoga
) Control group (wait list)
Pre- Test
Mid Test
(Pre- vs Mid) Post Test
(Pre- vs Post) Pre- Test Mid Test
(Pre- vs Mid)
Post Test
(Pre- vs Post)
Body weight (Kg)
[Male] 70.36 + 14.14 69.93 + 13.64 69.2 + 13.64* 74.19 + 15.81 74.2 + 15.75 74.27 + 15.70
Body weight (Kg)
[Female] 64.26 + 8.87 63.27 + 8.68** 62.4 + 8.0*** 64.21 + 8.88 64.07 + 8.87 63.05 + 8.85
BMI (Kg/Mt
2
)
[Male] 24.33 + 4.33 24.17 + 4.22 23.93 + 4.22* 25.64 + 4.23 25.65 + 4.02 25.68 + 3.42
BMI (Kg/Mt
2
)
[Female] 25.89 + 3.47 25.49 + 3.66** 25.13 + 3.48*** 26.4 + 3.13 26.34 + 3.03 26.39 + 2.75
TSH (ng/ml)
[Male] 3.26 + 2.09 3.54 + 2.93 4.07 + 1.51* 3.27 + 2.19 3.34 + 2.57 3.31 + 1.89
TSH (ng/ml)
[Female] 2.36 + 1.01 2.85 + 1.07 3.15 + 0.96 2.23 + 0.80 2.30 + 0.80 2.28 + 0.70
T
3
(ng/ml)
[Male] 1.34 + 0.36 1.20 + 0.20 0.86 + 0.22*** 1.32 + 0.32 1.33 + 0.33 1.27 + 0.37
T
3
(ng/ml)
[Female] 1.24 + 0.56 0.90 + 0.19 0.70 + 0.25* 1.25 + 0.31 1.24 + 0.23 1.26 + 0.43
T
4
(ng/ml)
[Male] 8.26 + 1.92 7.91 + 0.91 6.73 + 1.40** 7.88 + 1.66 7.87 + 1.52 7.86 + 1.81
T
4
(ng/ml)
[Female] 7.39 + 0.98 6.70 + 1.28 5.15 + 0.90** 7.59 + 1.08 7.70 + 1.03 7.66 + 1.01
*p<0.05, **p<0.01 and ***p<0.001, two tailed, t–t
est for paired data comparing the values at six weeks (midtest) versus
baseline (pretest) and twelve weeks (posttest) versus baseline (pretest).

CHATTERJEE & MONDAL: EFFECT OF YOGA ON THYROID HORMONES
S 13
relaxation types of asana (postures). On the other
way, pranayamas (specific breathing control
practices) like Ujjayi, Surya Anulome Vilome and
cultural asanas increased oxygen consumption,
metabolic rate and energy expenditure30-31, thus
produce a vitalizing effect in the mind-body system.
The main findings of the present quasi-experimental
study is that the combined approach of graded yogic
training for 12 weeks significantly improved serum
TSH level in male and near-significant increased
(2.36 + 1.01 ng/ml before training to 3.15 + 0.96 ng/ml
after 12 weeks; change 33.47 %) in female, whereas
T3 and T4 decreased significantly. Our results indicate
that the levels of serum TSH, T3 and T4 were within
the normal range in both experimental and control
groups. Our results are contradictory to results
recorded by Werner et al.12 and Maclean et al.13 who
reported that transcendental meditation decreased
serum TSH level and no change in T3 and T4 level. In
another study Gorden et al.14 reported that there is no
significant change in TSH, T3 and T4 level after the
practice of yoga. Gorden et al.14 did not give any clear
explanation about the details of yoga regimen.
A growing body of scientific research has been reported
that transcendental meditation gives rise to a unique
state of deep rest by marked reductions in resting
heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen consumption,
metabolic activity, increased cerebral blood flow32-33
may responsible for the decrease of serum TSH in the
human body. These results of TM technique also
suggest meditation may produce mental alertness with
physiological relaxations. In contrast to these earlier
studies, we adopted a combined approach of yoga
program which is comprehensive and progressive in
nature24. This comprehensive yoga training module
for a period of 12 weeks may have different effect on
pituitary-thyroid axis function in the human body.
However the result of the present study is similar
with the study done by Grandys et al.34 who reported
that after 5 weeks of moderate intensity and low
volume endurance training increased TSH level
(2.28 ± 1.09 Vs 2.52± 1.42 µIU. ml -1) and decreased
Fig. 1 — Graphical presentation of the result
s (ng/ml) of thyroid
stimulating hormone (TSH) for male
Fig. 2 —
Graphical presentation of the results (ng/ml) of thyroid
stimulating hormone (TSH) for female
Fig. 3 —
Graphical presentation of the results (ng/ml) of Tri
iodothyronine (T3) hormone for male
Fig. 4 —
Graphical presentation of the results (ng/ml) of Tri
iodothyronine (T
3
)
hormone for female

INDIAN J TRADIT KNOWLE, VOL. 16, (SUPPL), JUNE 2017
S
14
s
free T3 and T4 concentrations. In another study Onsori
& Galedari35 found that TSH and T3 levels was
slightly increased after 12 weeks of moderate-
intensity aerobic exercise in middle aged females
(n = 15) compared to the age-sex matched controls
(n = 15). In the graded yogic training schedule there
were suryanamaskara (dynamic physical posture),
shitilikarana (loosening) practices and asanas
(physical postures) which were reported as moderate
aerobic type of exercises31,36 may positively increased
the basal level of TSH and decreased T3 & T4 levels
in the plasma blood. Moreover specific yogic poses
(Sarvagasana, Halasana, Usthrasan, Matyasana,
Bhujangasan) can stimulate the throat area by
squeezing and stretching or massaging the thyroid
gland placed in the neck region. Regular practice
of pranayama (surya vedhana, ujjai, bhastrika,
bhramari, sitali, sitkari) and meditation may send a
positive feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary.
It has been observed by other researcher who reported
that pituitary growth hormone37,24 Y-Aminobutaric
Acid (GABA)38 and plasma melatonin39 were
increased after yoga session.
Therefore, the changes observed in thyroid axis
may be interpreted as: (i) increase the secretion of
hypothalamic thyrotrophin-relesing hormone (TRH)
which positively influences the TSH secretion
pattern40. (ii) A possible cause for the increase of TSH
level may be, due to fulfill the exercise induced
increase in peripheral need for T3 & T441. (iii) The
function of T3 & T4 includes increasing the rate of the
metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, as well as the
synthesis and degradation of proteins inside the cell,
utilization of thyroid hormones may be increased
with yoga training which possibly decreases the T3 &
T4 levels in the serum2. (iv) The concentration of
serum T3 is negatively correlated with blood glucose
level and the increase in T3 receptor binding capacity
reflects the compensatory mechanisms which are
probably evoked by T3 deficiency to maintain cellular
homeostasis42. (v) The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid
axis undergoes a significant number of complexes
physiological alterations associated with aging5 may
be modified through yogic exercises.
Effects of any form of physical activity on thyroid
hormones are controversial. Hence, the results of this
study can also be used for the prevention of thyroid
problems and provide an ideal neuroglandular adjustment
within the individual. Yoga is one of the important
mind-body techniques that efficiently works on
thyroid imbalance, generally occur in the path of
normal aging process. By nourishing the function of
thyroid and pituitary glands, yoga prevents its
progressive damage with advancing age.
Conclusion
Convenient sampling (not randomized control trial)
and the fact that no residential camp was conducted
can be considered, to a certain extent as limitations of
the study. Within the limitations of the study, it may
be concluded that combined approach of graded yogic
training for a period of twelve weeks modulates the
thyrotropin-thyroid hormones release and function in
the body, thus promoting healthy aging.
Acknowledgement
The authors are grateful to Central Council for
Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN);
Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare, Government of India for their
financial support. They acknowledge “Joynto Smriti
Sangha” (community health club) for their support
Fig. 5 — Graphical presentation o
f the results (ng/ml) of
thyroxine (T4) hormone for male
Fig. 6 —
Graphical presentation of the results (ng/ml) of
Thyroxine (T4) hormone for female

CHATTERJEE & MONDAL: EFFECT OF YOGA ON THYROID HORMONES
S 15
and active help to organized the “Yoga and Health
Awareness Camp” in the community. They are also
thankful to the administration of Visva-Bharati
University and specially the P.M. Hospital for
laboratory setup and technical help for smooth
conduction of the study. Finally they really appreciate
the support and cooperation of the sampled subjects
of this study.
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