Impact of Sequential Practice of Kaphalabhati and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama on Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Volunteers

Background: Pranayama or breath technique is considered as an important component of yoga, which influence wide range of physiological and psychological functions. Practice of Kaphalabhati (KB) and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (NSP) are known breathing techniques to influence the autonomic functions. The sequential practice of KB and NSP has not been assessed. In this Context, we assessed the immediate effect of combined practice of KB and NSP on autonomic variables in healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: A prospective analytical cross-sectional study was conducted and recruited 28 healthy participants who admitted in SDM Nature cure and Yoga hospital, Dharmasthala for the positive promotion of the health/general well-being. All participants were practiced KB 60 strokes/min for 5 rounds followed by NSP 1:1 ratio, 5 seconds inhalation and 5 seconds exhalation without any retention for 12 rounds. The Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was assessed through MP150 data acquisition system and blood pressure was recorded by using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. We assessed the BP, Heart Rate (HR), Short term HRV at baseline and immediately after the practice. Results: The mean age (SD) of the participants was 33.29 (6.9). The study showed significant decrease in Systolic blood pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure and RMSSD. There were borderline changes in the time domain measures (Mean R-R, NN50, pNN50) and reduction in the frequency domain of the HRV (LF, HF, LF/HF). However, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Immediate effect of sequential practice of KB and NSP in healthy volunteers showed positive effect in reduction of SBP, DBP and RMSSD. It can be included in the routine clinical practice for better outcome in the cardiovascular parameters and for the general well-being. Further studies are requisite to give insight in the underlying mechanism.