Non-randomised trial, 2025
Does yoga practice reduce PMS symptoms and improve heart function?
Twelve weeks of regular yoga improved heart rate variability and stress response measures, with decreases in blood pressure and heart rate.
What they did
49 young, healthy female students with moderate PMS received 12 weeks of yoga training (asana and pranayama). Heart rate variability and cardiac autonomic function tests were measured before and after.
What they found
After 12 weeks of yoga, there were significant improvements in heart rate variability measurements (SDNN). Both systolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly lower. Tests showed reduced activation of the stress response system.
What it means for you
Regular yoga practice may help reduce the physical stress response in women with PMS. However, the study was small with no comparison group, so the improvements could be due to other factors or natural variation. Results apply only to young, healthy women and may not extend to others.
49
women with moderate PMS
12
weeks of yoga training
3
menstrual cycles tracked
About the study
- Original title
- Impact of Asana and Pranayama on Heart Rate Variability and Cardiac Autonomic Functions in Young Femaleswith Premenstrual Syndrome: An Interventional Clinical Trial
- Authors
- Pai A, Shetty L, Bhasin G et al.
- Journal
- La Clinica terapeutica
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- Twelve weeks of asana and pranayama yoga training
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.7417/ct.2025.5171
Topics
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