Sneha K

Abstract

Introduction: Psychosocial stress of our modern life precipitates various cardiovascular and other disorders by distorting basic neuroendocrine mechanism and thus autonomic nervous system. The harmful effects of these stress on bodily systems can be reduced effectively by enhancing the adaptive mechanisms of our body that can restore the equilibrium. By giving rest to the mind and body, yoga can shake off many disorders of psychosocial origin. Aims and Objectives: 1: To evaluate the effects of yoga on parasympathetic nervous system in yoga practitioners above the age group of 35 years; 2: To compare the results of parasympathetic function tests in yoga practitioners with that of non yoga practitioners in the same age group. Materials and Methods: An observational cross sectional study was carried out in 50 normal yoga practitioners and 50 normal non yoga practitioners above the age group of 35 years. Yoga practitioners were selected randomly from different yoga centers in Shimoga. Non yoga practitioners were selected randomly among non teaching staff of Shimoga institute of medical sciences, Shimoga. The ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the ethical committee. Results: In our study, there is significant decrease in the BMI (p=0.013), physiological parameters such as heart rate (p=0.002), respiratory rate (p=0.001) and blood pressure and in parasympathetic tests there is significant decrease in valsalva ratio (p=0.005) in yoga practitioners compared to non yoga practitioners. Conclusion: Observations from our study suggest that regular practice of yoga can bring significant improvement in the autonomic balance, respiratory performance and wellbeing. It can thus be concluded that these results would justify the incorporation of yoga as part of lifestyle in prevention of hyper-reactivity to stress related disorders and age related cardiovascular complications. Keywords: Yoga, Autonomic nervous system, Valsalva ratio.

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Abstract

Introduction: Yoga is a mind and body practice with a 5,000-year history in ancient Indian philosophy. Various styles of yoga combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. Yoga is a psycho-somatic-spiritual discipline for achieving union and harmony between our mind, body and soul and the ultimate union of our individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. Aims and Objectives: 1: To evaluate the effects of yoga on sympathetic nervous system in yoga practitioners above the age group of 35 years; 2: To compare the results of sympathetic function tests in yoga practitioners with that of non yoga practitioners in the same age group. Materials and Methods: An observational cross sectional study was carried out in 50 normal yoga practitioners and 50 normal non yoga practitioners above the age group of 35 years. Yoga practitioners were selected randomly from different yoga centers in Shimoga. Non yoga practitioners were selected randomly among non teaching staff of Shimoga institute of medical sciences, Shimoga. The ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the ethical committee. Results: In our study, there is significant decrease in the BMI (p=0.013), physiological parameters such as heart rate (p=0.002), respiratory rate (p=0.001) and blood pressure and in sympathetic tests there is significant decrease in DBP in yoga practitioners compared to non yoga practitioners. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the regular practice of a set of yoga training blunted the sympathetic drive and lateralised the autonomic function towards parasympathetic control. Keywords: Yoga, Autonomic nervous system, Hand grip exercise.

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Abstract

Introduction: A woman is most vulnerable at the postpartum period. About 50-70% of maternal deaths occur in the postpartum period, of which 45% deaths occur in the first 24 hours after delivery and more than two thirds during the first week. Between 11-17% maternal deaths occur during child birth itself. There is a direct correlation between haemoglobin, haematocrit and red blood corpuscle values with the amount of blood loss. With increase in blood loss, the incidence of PPH will be more. Materials and Methods: 500 pregnant women of 18-35 years, undergoing vaginal delivery at Mc Gann teaching district hospital, Shivamogga were evaluated for hematological parameters (Hb, Hct, RBC) during their admission for delivery and on first postpartum day. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology defines PPH as a 10% change in haematocrit value between the labour admission and postpartum period. Results: There was reduction in the mean values of Hb, Hct, RBC and the results were statistically highly significant (p<0.001). The incidence of primary PPH was 14.8% as determined by 10% decrease in hematocrit level. Conclusion: Laboratory analysis of haematological parameters, being simple and accurate method, has to be followed, even during postpartum period, to assess, to take necessary measures and to prevent primary PPH and thereby decreasing the maternal morbidity and mortality. Keywords: Postpartum haemorrhage, Visual estimation, Hematocrit.

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