Iyengar Yoga versus Enhanced Usual Care on Blood Pressure in Patients with Prehypertension to Stage I Hypertension: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

The prevalence of prehypertension and Stage 1 hypertension continues to increase despite being amenable to non-pharmacologic interventions. Iyengar yoga (IY) has been purported to reduce blood pressure (BP) though evidence from randomized trials is lacking. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of 12 weeks of IY versus enhanced usual care (EUC) (based on individual dietary adjustment) on 24-h ambulatory BP in yoga-naïve adults with untreated prehypertension or Stage 1 hypertension. In total, 26 and 31 subjects in the IY and EUC arms, respectively, completed the study. There were no differences in BP between the groups at 6 and 12 weeks. In the EUC group, 24-h systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) significantly decreased by 5, 3 and 3 mmHg, respectively, from baseline at 6 weeks (P < .05), but were no longer significant at 12 weeks. In the IY group, 24 h SBP was reduced by 6 mmHg at 12 weeks compared to baseline (P = .05). 24 h DBP (P < .01) and MAP (P < .05) decreased significantly each by 5 mmHg. No differences were observed in catecholamine or cortisol metabolism to explain the decrease in BP in the IY group at 12 weeks. Twelve weeks of IY produces clinically meaningful improvements in 24 h SBP and DBP. Larger studies are needed to establish the long term efficacy, acceptability, utility and potential mechanisms of IY to control BP.

Beyond Medications and Diet: Alternative Approaches to Lowering Blood Pressure

“…Two small randomized studies of hatha yoga-type practices evaluated BP as an outcome since 2007. 60,61 A third small trial assessed the impact of a variation of pranayama on a background of hatha yoga practice. In a randomized, controlled clinical trial, yoga-naïve adults with stage I hypertension were randomized to 12 weeks of Iyengar yoga or control arms (enhanced usual care emphasizing diet).…”

“…In a randomized, controlled clinical trial, yoga-naïve adults with stage I hypertension were randomized to 12 weeks of Iyengar yoga or control arms (enhanced usual care emphasizing diet). 60 In total, 26 and 31 individuals in the yoga and control arms, respectively, completed the study. In the control group, 24-hour systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure BPs decreased significantly by 5, 3, and 3 mm Hg, respectively, from baseline to 6 weeks (P<0.05 versus baseline) and 4, 2, and 2 mm Hg at 12 weeks (P=NS versus baseline).…”

Yoga and Health

“…4,18 Similarly, regular practice of Yoga with use of low-fat vegetarian diet resulted in retardation of progression and even regression of coronary obstructions as compared to usual care control group in angiographic ally detected coronary artery disease. 7,18,24 Small clinical trials have shown benefits of yoga in patients with diabetes, 3,10 and a systematic review found that yoga improved metabolic risk factors. 9 Integrated yoga program has been shown to be helpful in reducing both post-chemotherapy nausea and anticipatory nausea and vomiting.…”

Efeito De Uma Sessão De Ioga Sobre a Pressão Arterial E Frequencia Cardíaca Em Mulheres Hipertensas.

“…O ioga é uma forma de atividade física que consiste na prática de várias técnicas incluindo posturas (asanas), técnicas respiratórias (pranayamas) e meditação (COHEN et al, 2011). De forma complementar, Miles et al (2013) afirmam que o ioga é qualitativamente diferente de qualquer outro modo de atividade física que consiste em uma combinação única de contrações musculares isométricas, alongamentos musculares, técnicas de relaxamento e exercícios respiratórios.…”