Volume: 44 Issue: 1
Systemic and ocular pressure changes following sympathetic activation in yoga practitioners - A comparative study
Sudha B. Sreenivas1, Vinitha K. R.1,5, Ramya C. M.1, Arun Gopi2, Sreenivas M. R.3, Jishamol K. R.4
1Dept. of Physiology, 2Statistician, JSS Medical College, Affiliated to JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
3Eye Care Clinic, Dhanvanthri Road, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
4Government Nature Cure and Yoga Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
5Dept. of Physiology, Oxford Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Corresponding author: Vinitha K.R. Email: [email protected]
Year: 2024,
Page: 146-150,
Doi: https://doi.org/10.51248/.v44i1.3440
Received: Sept. 6, 2023
Accepted: May 7, 2024
Published: Nov. 10, 2023
Abstract
Introduction and Aim: Blood Pressure (BP), Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and Ocular Perfusion Pressure (OPP) are precursor parameters that lead to development of glaucoma. Under conditions of stress, either physical or psychological origin, there is disturbance of autonomic regulation. This causes increased activation of the sympathetic nervous system which might influence BP and ocular pressures. An altered autonomic balance towards lower sympathetic drive is observed in subjects practicing yoga, but it is not clear whether this adaptation also influences ocular pressures. Our study attempted to analyze variations in BP, IOP and OPP following sympathetic activation in yogic practitioners and non-practitioners of yoga.
Materials and Methods: One hundred and ten subjects aged 18 - 25 years were recruited and categorised into yoga and non-yoga group. Basal BP was recorded using a sphygmomanometer and IOP was recorded using a rebound tonometer. Isometric hand grip (IHG) and Cold pressor test (CPT) were administered one at a time. IOP and BP were recorded immediately following these sympathetic activation tests. Mean arterial pressure and OPP was calculated using standard formula.
Results: Significant increase in the values of pulse, BP, IOP and OPP following sympathetic activation were observed in the non-yoga group which was not noted in the yoga group. Elevation in systemic and ocular pressures following sympathetic activation was less in yoga practitioners. This adrenergic response was greater in the non-yoga group.
Conclusion: Regular yoga practice maintains adequate perfusion of ocular tissues by autoregulation. Hence yoga can be recommended as a complementary health approach for the autonomic nervous system imbalance.
Keywords: Blood pressure; intraocular pressure; ocular perfusion pressure; isometric hand grip; cold pressor test.
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Cite this article
Sudha B. Sreenivas, Vinitha K. R, Ramya C. M, Arun Gopi, Sreenivas M. R, Jishamol K. R. Systemic and ocular pressure changes following sympathetic activation in yoga practitioners - A comparative study. Biomedicine: 2024; 44(1): 146-150