{"id":62654,"date":"2024-12-30T11:02:51","date_gmt":"2024-12-30T11:02:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/biomedpharmajournal.org\/?p=62654"},"modified":"2025-01-06T18:44:29","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T18:44:29","slug":"yoga-improves-vascular-stiffness-in-covid-19-survivors-of-vijayapur-karnataka-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/biomedpharmajournal.org\/staging\/vol17no4\/yoga-improves-vascular-stiffness-in-covid-19-survivors-of-vijayapur-karnataka-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Yoga Improves Vascular stiffness in COVID-19 Survivors of Vijayapur, Karnataka, India"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed had\nsignificant global effects, impacting populations worldwide with substantial\nnumbers of cases and fatalities 1<\/sup>. Various research studies showed\nthat COVID-19 is associated with multi-systemic disease apart from respiratory\nconditions 2, 3, 4<\/sup>. The link between COVID-19 and cardiovascular\ncomplications has been a significant concern since the early stages of the\npandemic 5<\/sup>. COVID-19 can modify the functions of the cardiovascular\nsystem in various ways, such as myocarditis, myocardial infarction,\narrhythmias, and thromboembolic events (blood clots) 6, 7<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several mechanisms may contribute to the\ncardiovascular complications associated with COVID-19, including direct viral\ndamage to the heart and blood vessels, systemic inflammation and cytokine\nrelease, destabilization of underlying cardiovascular conditions, and\nendothelial dysfunction 8<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A study suggested that COVID-19 may\naffect the cardiovascular system, resembling vascular ageing. A study examining\nthe vascular stiffness among COVID-19-survivors showed increased PWV compared\nto controls 9<\/sup>. For example, COVID-19 has been connected with endothelial\ndysfunction and vascular damage, which lead to vascular stiffness 10<\/sup>.\nVascular stiffening refers to a reduction in arteries\u2019 capacity to dilate and\nconstrict in reaction to modifications in blood pressure. The reduced ability\nto stretch the artery wall is frequently linked to anatomical and functional\nalterations in the blood vessel walls. An elevated chance of cardiovascular\nincidents, like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, is linked to\nvascular stiffness. It can also exacerbate the workload on the heart and\ncontribute to left ventricular hypertrophy and impaired cardiac function 11<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good diet, regular exercise, yoga,\nand managing cardiovascular risk factors are modifications to one\u2019s way of\nliving that can help stop or slow the progression of vascular stiffness. In\nsome studies, regular participation in yoga, which usually combines breathing\ntechniques, meditation, and physical postures, has been associated with lower\nvascular stiffness. Yoga is considered a low-intensity exercise that focuses on\nflexibility, strength, and relaxation, and it can provide several\ncardiovascular and overall health benefits. Studies examining the effects of\nyoga on vascular stiffness have shown promising results, with some\ndemonstrating significant reductions in vascular stiffness measures among\nindividuals who practice yoga regularly 12<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The research aimed to determine whether vascular stiffness is\nlower in individuals who regularly practice yoga than those who do not\nparticipate among COVID-19 survivors. The present study can provide insightful\ninformation about the possible consequences of regular yoga on vascular\nstiffness and contribute to our understanding of yoga as a lifestyle\nintervention for promoting vascular health among COVID-19 survivors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Materials and Methods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ncurrent observational investigation was carried out based on the guidelines of\nthe Declaration of Helsinki. All participants were given written informed\npermission, and the Institutional Ethics Committee approved the protocol.\n(Reference BLDE(DU)\/IEC\/581\/2021-22). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Study Design and Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The present observational cohort study was conducted at the Centre for Yoga and Exercise Science, Department of Physiology, between December 2021 and December 2022. Participants reported for a basal recording from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, and physical, physiological and vascular stiffness parameters of participants were measured. The participants performed three months of CYP training, including prayer, loosening practices, asanas, pranayama and meditation 13<\/sup>. Following three months, physical, physiological and vascular stiffness parameters were measured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sample Size<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The total sample size for the study was 72, with each group containing 36, to reach an 80% power level. A two-sided 5% significance threshold is required to identify a real difference in test means and the reference group of 301.1 (i.e., 580.1\u2013279) units, assuming a pooled standard deviation of 216.4 units p-value of less than 0.05 14, 15<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using online forms and multiple emails regarding COVID-19 disease confirmed at the current hospital in the past; we could enlist 72 participants age ranging from 20 and 24 who had mild COVID-19 disease for this study. Individuals with known smokers, alcoholics, uncontrolled cardiometabolic illness or those on medication to regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar were not allowed to participate. Depending upon their willingness to be included in the yoga group, participants were divided into two groups: control (had not done yoga) and yoga (practiced at least five days per week for at least twelve weeks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intervention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The participants received 60 minutes of yoga instruction (the Common Yoga Protocol) five days a week for three months. The Common Yoga Protocol was employed, which consists of pranayama, meditation, asanas (standing, sitting, prone, and supine), and loosening techniques 13<\/sup>. We noted the participants\u2019 daily attendance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outcome Measures<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Primary Outcome: Vascular stiffness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vascular\nparameters were measured using a device known as a Periscope (Periscope,\nGenesis Medical Systems, and India) 16<\/sup>. Every recording was done\nwhile lying flat. The brachial-ankle and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity\n(b-a PWV and c-f PWV) and arterial stiffness index (ASI)\n(brachial and ankle) were recorded by the periscope 17, 18<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Covariates: Demographic <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participants were asked\nto self-report their biological sex (male or female) and age (years\/months).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Covariates: anthropometry and physiological parameters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anthropometric\nparameters like height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) were measured by using\nstandard procedures. Physiological parameters like Heart rate, diastolic blood\npressure (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were measured by following\nstandard procedures. All the parameters were recorded three times for each\nparticipant, and the average value was used. The average blood pressure of SBP\nand DBP was used to calculate mean arterial pressure or MAP. The difference\nbetween SBP and DBP was considered as pulse pressure (PP). The rate pressure\nproduct derived from the heart rate and systolic blood pressure serves as a\nproxy for the amount of oxygen that the heart consumes (MVO2<\/sub>) 19,\n20<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Statistical Analysis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We used SPSS version 20.0 to perform statistical analysis. Standard deviations and means are used to illustrate descriptive statistics. The study employed one-way ANOVA and a post-hoc test (Least Significant Difference) to assess the differences in mean values of parameters between the Control group before the yoga intervention (Group 1), the Yoga group before the yoga intervention (Group 2), the Control group following the yoga intervention (Group 3), and the Yoga group following the yoga intervention (Group 4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Results<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participant Demographics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study screened 250 COVID-19 survivors, of whom 72 were eligible for participation. The final analysis included 36 participants in each group (yoga and control) with a balanced gender distribution (50% male, 50% female). The yoga group practiced yoga an average of five times per week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anthropometric Parameters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ANOVA did not demonstrate a noteworthy change in height, weight, and BMI among the yoga and control groups before and after the yoga intervention, ensuring that the groups were comparable to the intervention (Table 1). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physiological Parameters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the intervention, the yoga group demonstrated significant improvements (p < 0.05) in several indicators when compared to the control group (Table 2). Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, pulse pressure, and rate pressure product all significantly decreased in the yoga intervention group, according to an ANOVA (Table 2). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vascular Stiffness Parameters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When compared to the control group, the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, brachial arterial stiffness index, and ankle arterial stiffness index all revealed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the yoga group (Table 3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Table 1: Anthropometric characteristics among both Control group and Yoga group before and after yoga intervention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Parameters<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0Group 1 <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0Group 2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0Group 3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0Group 4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

ANOVA<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

20-24 years (n=36, M:F=1:1)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

20-24 years<\/strong><\/p>\n

(n=36,\u00a0 M:F=1:1)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

20-24 years<\/strong><\/p>\n

(n=36,\u00a0 M:F=1:1)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

20-24 years<\/strong><\/p>\n

(n=36,\u00a0 M:F=1:1)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

F value<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

p Value<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Weight in Kg<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

61.05+<\/u>10.86<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

62.55+<\/u>6.88<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

62.75+<\/u>9.75<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

58.86+<\/u>6.201,2,3<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1.554<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.203<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Height in cm<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

164.40+<\/u>6.06<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

163.39+<\/u>6.26<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

164.40+<\/u>6.06<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

163.39+<\/u>6.26<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.136<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.814<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

BMI in kg\/m2<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

22.64+<\/u>4.08<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

23.46+<\/u>2.52<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

23.32+<\/u>2.61<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

21.93+<\/u>1.931,2,3<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2.027<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.113<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Following ANOVA using the LSD method, post-hoc comparisons were performed between each group. Significance level: ‘p’ value <0.05.\u00a0\u00a0 Male: M, female: F, and body mass index: BMI<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n

Table 2: Physiological characteristics among both Control group and Yoga group before and after yoga intervention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Parameters<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0Group 1<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0Group 2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0Group 3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0Group 4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

ANOVA<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

20-24 years (n=36, M:F=1:1)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

20-24 years<\/strong><\/p>\n

(n=36,\u00a0 M:F=1:1)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

20-24 years<\/strong><\/p>\n

(n=36,\u00a0 M:F=1:1)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

20-24 years<\/strong><\/p>\n

(n=36,\u00a0 M:F=1:1)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

F value<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

p Value<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Heart Rate in bpm<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

78.24+<\/u>4.524<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

75.87+<\/u>6.814<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

79.08+<\/u>3.54<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

72.91+<\/u>5.111,2,3<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

8.427<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.0001<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Systolic blood pressure in mmHg<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

127.81+<\/u>15.034<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

134.0+<\/u>17.194<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

128.25+<\/u>16.154<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

116.64+<\/u>9.11,2,3<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0\u00a0 8.632<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.0001<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Diastolic blood pressure in mmHg<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

74.44+<\/u>11.824<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

74.72+<\/u>10.44<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

75.44+<\/u>12.414<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

67.72+<\/u>5.841,2,3<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

3.639<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.014<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Pulse pressure in mmHg<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

53.36+11.314<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

59.27+13.604<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

52.81.+11.314<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

48.916+7.91,2,3<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

5.128<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.0002<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Mean arterial pressure in mmHg<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

92.23+<\/u>11.854<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

94.46+<\/u>11.404<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

93.04+<\/u>12.714<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

84.02+<\/u>6.031,2,3<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

6.332<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.0001<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Rate pressure product in mmHg\/min<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

9992+<\/u>1237.184<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

10164+<\/u>1580.184<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

10142.01+<\/u>1322.364<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

8502+<\/u>860.061,2,3<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

13.11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.0001<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Following ANOVA using the LSD method, post-hoc comparisons were performed between each group. <\/strong>\u00a0Significance level: ‘p’ value <0.05.\u00a0\u00a0 Male: M, female: F<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n

Table 3: Vascular stiffness parameters among both Control group and Yoga group before and after yoga intervention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Parameters<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\u00a0Group 1<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Group 2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Group 3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Group 4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

ANOVA<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

20-24 years (n=36, M:F=1:1)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

20-24 years<\/strong><\/p>\n

(n=36,\u00a0 M:F=1:1)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

20-24 years<\/strong><\/p>\n

(n=36,\u00a0 M:F=1:1)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

20-24 years<\/strong><\/p>\n

(n=36,\u00a0 M:F=1:1)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

F value<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

p Value<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

b-a PWV in cm\/sec<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1033.6+<\/u>520.874<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1471.3+<\/u>625.34<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1509.9+<\/u>636.634<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

913.79+<\/u>412.61,2,3<\/sup>7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

10.05<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.0001<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

c-f PWV in cm\/sec<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

922.91+<\/u>309.574<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1033.6+<\/u>359.944<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1033.5+<\/u>354.974<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

579.76+<\/u>160.211,2,3<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

18.65<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.0001<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

bASI in %<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4.58+<\/u>5.444<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

24.97+<\/u>8.384<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

25.04+<\/u>5.254<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

17.47+<\/u>4.111,2,3<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

13.66<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.0001<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

aASI in %<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

38.78+<\/u>7.844<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

40.52+<\/u>7.974<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

39.03+<\/u>6.154<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

23.04+<\/u>3.681,2,3<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

47.43<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0.0001<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Following ANOVA using the LSD method, post-hoc comparisons were performed between each group. Significance level: ‘p’ value <0.05.\u00a0\u00a0 Male: M, female: F, and b-a PWV: pulse wave velocity, c-f, brachial-ankle Ankle vascular stiffness index (aASI), brachial vascular stiffness index (bASI), and carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n

Discussion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ncurrent research investigated the effects of a CYP intervention on\nanthropometric, physiological and vascular stiffness parameters in young adults\nwho survived COVID-19 disease. The main finding was that, after adjusting for\nage and sex, participants who regularly practiced yoga had far lower HR, BP,\nRPP, PWV and ASI than non-yoga participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baseline Characteristics and Group Equivalence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\nspecifically recruited participants who had recovered from COVID-19 disease. We\nrecruited 250 participants who were confirmed (RTPCR) diagnosed with COVID-19\ndisease, and 72 met the inclusion criteria. The final analysis included 36\nparticipants each in the yoga and control groups, with a balanced gender\ndistribution (50% male, 50% female) in both groups. The yoga group practiced\nyoga an average of five times per week. Importantly, baseline characteristics\n(weight, height and BMI) revealed that there were no significant differences (p\n> 0.05) between the control and yoga groups before the yoga intervention\n(Table 1). This balanced enrollment strengthens the study\u2019s internal validity,\nas any observed changes after the intervention can be more confidently\nattributed to the yoga program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effects of Yoga Intervention on Physiological Parameters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\nyoga intervention resulted in significant improvements (p < 0.05) in\nmultiple parameters when compared to the control group (Table 2). Among these\nimprovements were decreases in blood pressure, heart rate, and rate pressure\nproduct. The parameters did not significantly improve in the control groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\npresent research demonstrated a significant decrease in heart rate after three\nmonths of yoga intervention among the yoga group. Numerous research\ninvestigations have demonstrated that consistent pranayama lowers resting heart\nrate 21, 22<\/sup>. The relaxation response, which is parasympathetic\ndominance brought on by deep breathing and breath control techniques, is assumed\nto cause this 21, 22<\/sup>. Improved cardiovascular health and a lower\nrisk of heart disease are linked to lower resting heart rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After\nthree months of yoga intervention, the yoga group’s systolic, diastolic, mean\narterial, and pulse pressures all significantly decreased, according to the\ncurrent study. It has been demonstrated that pranayama techniques reduce blood\npressure, such as alternating nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) and slow, deep\nbreathing. By encouraging relaxation and lowering sympathetic nervous system\nactivity, these methods lower BP and cause vasodilation 23<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\nrate pressure product (RPP) in the present study decreased after yoga intervention\nin the yoga group. The heart’s workload and oxygen intake are measured by the\nrate pressure product. It is calculated by multiplying the heart rate (HR) by\nthe systolic blood pressure (SBP) 24<\/sup>. Research has demonstrated that\nyoga can decrease RPP by lowering cardiac workload and improving cardiovascular\nefficiency and pranayama decreases the RPP after six weeks of training among\nhypertensive patients 24<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effects of Yoga\nIntervention on Vascular Stiffness Parameters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brachial-ankle\nand carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity ( b-a PWV and c-f PWV) and brachial and\nankle arterial\nstiffness index (bASI and aASI) are decreased in the present study after yoga\ntraining in the yoga group. Higher levels of PWV and ASI are measures of\nvascular stiffness and are associated with stiffer arteries and a higher risk\nof cardiovascular disease. It is proven that yoga intervention reduces vascular\nstiffness by lowering sympathetic activity, promoting NO bioavailability, and\nimproving endothelial function 25<\/sup> and regular yoga practice is\nlinked to a 0.3 ms decrease in central vascular stiffness compared to non-yoga\nindividuals 26<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According\nto researchers, a brief Bikram yoga intervention significantly lowered the\ninsulin resistance index in older but not younger persons and decreased\nvascular stiffness in young but not older adults. An 8-week Bikram yoga\nintervention was completed by twenty-four young individuals and eighteen\nmiddle-aged and older adults. In younger persons (p<0.05), there was a drop\nin the \u03b2-stiffness index and an elevation in carotid artery stretch ability\n(p<0.05), but not in older adults 27<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\nrole of deficiency of vitamin D in the development of vascular stiffness has\nbeen demonstrated in various studies which may result in various cardiovascular\ndiseases such as hypertension 28<\/sup>. Yoga might be helpful in the\nreversal of these mechanisms as demonstrated in various studies 29, 30<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\npresent study\u2019s findings support other studies showing yoga\u2019s positive impact\non blood pressure, heart rate, and vascular stiffness. These results imply that\nyoga can be an effective method for improving cardiovascular health in young\nadults who have recovered from COVID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This\nstudy suggests that yoga is a safe and effective non-pharmaceutical approach to\nimproving vascular health in young adults, especially those recovering from\nmild COVID-19. It may be a good option for individuals who cannot participate\nin high-intensity exercise routines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To\nconclude, regular yoga practice can be a valuable strategy for promoting\ncardiovascular health in young adults, including those recovering from COVID-19\ndisease. Future research with larger samples and longer durations is warranted\nto confirm these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acknowledgement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authors acknowledge Morarji\nDesai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of AYUSH and BLDE (Deemed to be) University\u2019s Shri. B. M. Patil Medical\nCollege Hospital and Research Centre for the continuous supports and\ncoordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Funding Sources<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and\/or publication of this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conflict of Interest<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The author(s) do not have any\nconflict of interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data Availability Statement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This statement does not apply to this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ethics Statement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Institutional\nethical clearance was obtained from Institutional Ethical Committee of BLDE\nUniversity (Ref. No.: BLDE(DU)\/IEC\/581\/2021-22).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Informed Consent statement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The informed consent was obtained\nfor experimentation and that it conforms to the standards currently applied in\nthe country of origin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clinical Trial Registration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This\nresearch does not involve any clinical trials<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authors Contribution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each author mentioned has\nsignificantly and directly contributed intellectually to the project and has\ngiven their approval for its publication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jyoti P Khodnapur: Conceptualization,\nMethodology, Writing \u2013 Original Draft, Supervision, Project Administration,\nResources, Supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gireesh P Khodnapur:\nConceptualization, Methodology, Writing \u2013 Original Draft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ishwar V Basavaraddi:\nData Collection, Analysis, Writing \u2013 Review &amp; Editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amrit Podder:\nConceptualization, Methodology, Writing \u2013 Original Draft, Visualization, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rameshwar Pal: Supervision,\nProject Administration, Visualization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sumangala M Patil:\nData Collection, Analysis, Writing \u2013 Review &amp; Editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Madivalappa P\nDoddamani: Data Collection, Analysis, Writing \u2013 Review &amp; Editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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