National Journal of Medical Research & Yoga Sciences
Effect of alternate nostril breathing on blood pressure and heart rate in adults with elevated blood pressure: A pilot interventional study
By K Ambareesha and N Shobha Rani.
Abstract
Background
Elevated blood pressure is an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Yogic breathing practices have been increasingly investigated as complementary approaches for cardiovascular health. Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana/Anulom Vilom Pranayama) is a simple breathing technique that may influence autonomic cardiovascular regulation.
Aim
To evaluate the effect of four weeks of alternate nostril breathing on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate in adults with elevated blood pressure. Materials and Methods: A pilot interventional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Jangaon, Telangana, India. Thirty adults with elevated blood pressure were divided into intervention (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The intervention group practiced alternate nostril breathing for 15 minutes per day, five days per week, for four weeks, in addition to their usual lifestyle. The control group continued their usual routine. Blood pressure and resting heart rate were recorded before and after the intervention.