Comparison of the effects of yoga and lifestyle modification on grade‑I hypertension in elderly males: A preliminary study

Satish Gurunathrao Patil; Gopal Dhanakshirur; Manjunatha Ramakrishna Aithala; Kusal Kanti Das

Satish Gurunathrao Patil Department of Physiology, BLDE University’s Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Bijapur, Karnataka, India
Gopal Dhanakshirur Department of Physiology, BLDE University’s Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Bijapur, Karnataka, India
Manjunatha Ramakrishna Aithala Department of Physiology, BLDE University’s Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Bijapur, Karnataka, India
Kusal Kanti Das Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India

Keywords: Elderly, Grade‑I hypertension, Lifestyle, Modification, Males, Yoga

Abstract

Background and Aim: Aging along with hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. It is noticed that systolic hypertension in elderly is often associated with increased CV risks and is resistant to pharmacological treatment. Hence, we aimed to assess the difference between practice of yoga and lifestyle modifications (LSM) in elderly grade‑I hypertensive males. Methods: A randomized control study was conducted on age and body mass index (BMI)‑matched elderly male subjects (n = 42) between 60–80 years with grade‑I hypertension. They were equally divided into yoga group (n = 21) and LSM group (n = 21). Their fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were recorded before the intervention period, and both the groups were matched for these biochemical parameters. The yoga group was assigned for practice of a yoga module and the LSM group (n = 21) was assigned for stretching exercises and brisk walk, for 6 days in a week, for 1 h in the morning for 6 weeks. Their CV parameters including heart rate and blood pressure (BP) were recorded before and after the intervention period. Results: We found a significant decrease in systolic BP (P < 0.001), pulse pressure (P < 0.001), mean arterial pressure (P < 0.001), and rate pressure product (P < 0.001) in elderly hypertensives following yoga therapy for 6 weeks, whereas no statistically significant change was noticed in the LSM group practicing stretching exercise and brisk walk for the same duration. Conclusion: Yoga intervention for 6 weeks could be an effective non‑pharmacological means for better management than the LSM for control of BP in elderly subjects having grade‑I hypertension.