Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Blood Sugar and Lipid Profile Adaptations to Yoga Therapy

Santwana Mondal, Brajanath Kundu and Sukanta Saha

Background: Yoga is generally safe, simple to learn, and can be practiced by even ill, elderly or disabled individuals. Yoga has been shown to have therapeutic benefits for individuals with a wide range of health conditions. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of 12 weeks of yogatherapy on blood sugar and lipid profile in elder women.

Methods: Twenty elderly (age range 50 to 70 years) women were recruited from two old age home and randomly divided into two groups (n=10) of yogic practice group and control group. Yogic practice group were subjected to regular yoga practice (Asanas, Kriyas, Pranayamas) for 12 weeks (3 sessions per week, 45 minutes per session), while the control group did not participated any regular activity. The dependent variables were fasting plasma glucose, post-prandial blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein and were examined before and after 12 weeks of yogic intervention in both groups.

Results: A significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in fasting plasma glucose, post-prandial blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein; with a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in high density lipoprotein level from its initial value; while showing insignificant result in control group.

Conclusions: It may be concluded that adoption of yoga on long term basis would bring proper control of blood sugar and lipid profile levels in elderly women.