Cardiorespiratory and metabolic changes during yoga sessions: the effects of respiratory exercises and meditation practices.

Danucalov MA, Simões RS, Kozasa EH, Leite JR.

Unidade de Medicina Comportamental, Depto. de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Napoleão de Barros, 925, CEP 04024-002 Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract

The novelty of this study was to investigate the changes in cardiorespiratory and metabolic intensity brought about by the practice of pranayamas (breathing exercises of yoga) and meditation during the same hatha-yoga session. The technique applied was the one advocated by the hatha-yoga system. Nine yoga instructors-five females and four males, mean age of 44+/-11, 6, were subjected to analysis of the gases expired during three distinct periods of 30 min: rest, respiratory exercises and meditative practice. A metabolic open circuit computerized system was applied (VO2000, MedGraphics-USA). The oxygen uptake (VO(2)) and the carbon dioxide output (VCO(2)) were statistically different (P

PMID: 18317923 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]