Psycho-physiological effects of yoga training in physiotherapy students

1. PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS
OF YOGA TRAINING IN
PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS
Dayanidy G1, Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani2, Madanmohan3
1 Lecturer, CYTER
2 Deputy Director, CYTER
3 Director CYTER and Head Dept of Physiology MGMCRI, SBV

2. SRI BALAJI VIDYAPEETH
(Deemed University Accredited with “A” Grade by NAAC)
Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education
and Research (CYTER)
Salutogenesis, our focus!

3. Introduction
• Yoga is primarily a spiritual science.
• Healthy life & worldview is a by-product of its practice.
• It is essential that paramedics are physically, mentally &
spiritually healthy.

4. Materials and Methods
• Yoga training was given to undergraduate physiotherapy
students of Mother Theresa Post Graduate & Research
Institute of Health Sciences (MTPG & RIHS)
• Various psycho-physiological parameters were studied to
scientifically validate training.

5. Materials and Methods
• Integrated Yoga sessions comprising of: jathis (loosening practices), kriyas
(breath-body coordination practices) along with asana, pranayama,
contemplation & relaxation
• Conducted for 15 (12 F & 3 M) students twice weekly for 12 weeks.
• Anthropometric, cardiovascular, heart rate variability (HRV), reaction time
and psychological parameters measured before and after training period
• Statistical analysis done using Students t (paired) test.

7. Results
Significant reductions following the
training :
• weight
• BMI &
• hip - waist circumference

8. • All resting cardiovascular parameters reduced significantly
• Significant shortening of auditory and visual reaction time.
• Improvements were noted in all HRV parameters & there
was enhancement of quality of life index (QOL) scores &
retrospective wellness scores.
Results

11. Discussion
• Change in Anthropometric parameters may be attributed to an
improved metabolic activity due to regular practice of the
technique.
• It indicates a better autonomic regulation of the heart with
decreased oxygen consumption and load.
• Improved central neuronal processing.
• Improvement in HRV and QOL indices.

12. Conclusion
• Our study gives preliminary evidence of positive
psychophysiological benefits of Yoga training in a graduate student
population.
• Improvements in anthropometric, cardiovascular & neurological
parameters, coupled with positive changes in HRV and QOL
indices signify a healthier state of body & mind.

13. Thank You