The Acute Effects of Vinyasa Flow Yoga on Arterial Stiffness
Date
2019-08
Authors
Pina, Alexander Aaron
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Arterial stiffness (AS) is a marker of subclinical atherosclerotic disease associated with reductions in the buffering capacity of the central, elastic arteries. Previous research has demonstrated reductions in AS with a relatively short-duration, 8-week Bikram (hot) yoga practice; however, the acute effects of yoga of any kind on this measure have not been investigated. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the acute impact of one bout of Vinyasa flow yoga performed in thermoneutral conditions on indices of AS in healthy adults. METHODS: 30 apparently healthy adults ages 20-75 years with at least 3 months of yoga experience completed a one-hour Vinyasa flow yoga DVD. Seated blood pressure measures were obtained pre- and post-intervention. Augmentation index (AIx) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) were measured before and after the yoga session via applanation tonometry. AIx outcomes included crude Aix, AIx at a heart rate of 75 beats per minute (AIx@75), and peripheral AIx (P2/P1). As associations between negative mood states and impaired endothelial function, a determinant of AS, have been demonstrated previously, mood affect was assessed via Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) 20-item survey before and after the Vinyasa session. RESULTS: After completion of the yoga DVD, significant reductions in AIx, and peripheral AIx (P<0.05 for all) were observed. AIx@75 (P =.214) and cf-PWV (P =0.628) were unaltered. No significant changes in positive mood affect were observed; however negative mood affect significantly decreased (P<0.05) following the yoga session. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the efficacy of a single bout of hatha yoga in improving central and peripheral indicators of arterial stiffness and provide insight into the potential effects of yoga in mediating CVD risk. These vascular changes were accompanied by significant reductions in negative affect, which could have contributed to reductions in AS by preventing exercise-induced endothelial dysfunction following the yoga bout.
Description
Keywords
Arterial stiffness, Cardiovascular disease, Augmentation index, Hatha yoga, Vinyasa, Pulse wave velocity
Citation
Piña, A. (2019). <i>The acute effects of Vinyasa flow yoga on arterial stiffness</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.