EFFECTS OF A SIX WEEK PRANAYAMA INTERVENTION ON BLOOD PRESSURE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN HARYANA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Keywords:
Pranayama, Blood pressure, Systolic blood pressure, Diastolic blood pressure, Yoga, Autonomic nervous system, Cardiovascular health, Non-pharmacological intervention, Stress reduction, Preventive health.Abstract
Pranayama, a yogic breathing technique, has been widely studied for its potential to improve cardiovascular health through autonomic modulation. This study evaluated the effect of a six-week structured Pranayama intervention on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) among young, normotensive college students. A total of 100 participants aged 18–25 years from Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Haryana, were randomly divided into experimental (n = 50) and control (n = 50) groups. The experimental group practiced daily 40-minute Pranayama sessions including Anulom Vilom and Bhramari for six weeks, while the control group continued routine activities. SBP and DBP were measured pre- and post-intervention using a digital sphygmomanometer under standardized conditions. Results showed a significant reduction in SBP (≈9.4 mmHg) and DBP (≈6.6 mmHg) in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc tests confirmed significant intergroup differences, and bar charts supported the visual trend. These findings suggest that short-term, structured Pranayama practice can favorably influence cardiovascular parameters even in healthy young adults, highlighting its potential as a simple, low-cost, non-pharmacological strategy for blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular health promotion.
