K Sridharan’s scientific contributions

A study was carried out on 10 healthy subjects to evaluate the effect of yogic training on some autonomic responses and biochemical indices. Yogic training was performed daily in the morning hours for one hour under the supervision of qualified yoga instructors. Physiological and biochemical responses were assessed before and after 3 months of training. A significant decrease in heart rate, blood pressure and elevation of mean skin temperature and alpha index of EEG were recorded, followed by reduction in blood glucose and plasma cholesterol level. Changes in the dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity, monoamine oxidase and adrenal steroids along with the physiological parameters indicated a shift in the autonomic balance towards relative parasympathodominance.