The Effects of Bikram Yoga on Selected Cardiopulmonary Measures and Psychological Constructs

Date

2011-08

Authors

Abel, Allison N.

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Abstract

This study examined the effects of 60-days of Bikram yoga on measures of pulmonary function, cardiovascular health and psychological parameters. Twenty-two subjects (17 females and 5 males) participated in a 60-day Bikram yoga challenge. Measurements were taken before and immediately after the challenge. The psychological measures of core self-evaluation (CSE), intrinsic motivation and life satisfaction increased significantly by 8.34%, 3.84%, and 8.18%, respectively. In addition, the pulmonary function parameters of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), % pred. FVC, and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1.0) significantly decreased by 4.47%, 4.43% and 4.46%, respectively. Resting heart rate (HR) significantly decreased by 5.70% and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly decreased by 7.23%. None of the cardiovascular measures during exercise showed a significant difference. In conclusion, 60-days of Bikram yoga will improve CSE, intrinsic motivation, life satisfaction and resting cardiovascular function, but will not improve resting pulmonary function or cardiopulmonary function during exercise

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Keywords

Bikram yoga, Yoga, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Core self evaluation, Intrinsic motivation, Life satisfaction, VO2max, Heat

Citation

Abel, A. N. (2011). <i>The effects of Bikram yoga on selected cardiopulmonary measures and psychological constructs</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.

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