Effects of Yoga on Heart Rate Variability and Mood in Women

Background: Women are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, which have been linked to reduced heart rate variability (HRV) and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week yoga program on HRV and mood in generally healthy women. The investigators hypothesized that there would be improvements in HRV and reductions in perceived stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety after the yoga intervention.

Methods: Fifty-two healthy women were randomized to either a yoga group or a control group. Participants in the yoga group completed an 8-week yoga program, which comprised a 60-minute session, twice a week. Each session consisted of breathing exercises, yoga pose practice, and supine meditation/relaxation. Participants' HRV, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and state and trait anxiety were assessed at baseline and week 9.

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Key information

Conditions

Heart Rate Variability

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Kaohsiung Medical University

Kaohsiung City, 807, Taiwan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

women
aged 18-50 years old
body mass index < 30 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

currently engaged in regular yoga practice
pregnant
nursing
had physical contraindications to exercise

Treatment and study plan

yoga

Other

Yoga program was 60 min per session, twice per week for 8 weeks. Led by an experienced yoga instructor.

Primary outcomes

Change from baseline in heart rate variability at week 9

Time frame: The ourcome measure was assessed at baseline and at week 9

Heart rate variability analysis was derived from continuous heart rate recording, at a sampling rate of 1024 Hz, using an electrocardiogram (ECG) system (MP 150, BIOPAC Systems, Goleta, CA, USA). Participants were instructed to avoid exercise one day before the assessment session and abstain from caffeinated food and beverages on the day of assessment. During the assessment, participants were instructed to relax in a supine position with no other tasks or stimulation for 20 minutes while the ECG was recording. The last 10 minutes of the ECG recording was analyzed for HRV. R-R intervals were computed and the HRV power spectrum was obtained via a fast Fourier transformation algorithm using an appropriate software program (HRV Analysis for Windows, version 1.1; Biosignal Imaging Group and Analysis, the University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kaohsiung Medical University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Yoga on Heart Rate Variability and Mood in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start: 2010
Primary completion: 2011
Study completion: 2011
First posted: Jun 3, 2014
Registry last updated: Jun 4, 2014

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed