Original research article: electrocardiographic alterations using vectors in subjects of rural population following integrated approach of yoga therapy: A report

Background: An electrocardiogram, termed as ECG, is a very simple and common test, used to determine the healthy condition of an individual. Various studies have reported the beneficial effect of physical exercise, yoga separately on standard limb leads, but there is a lack of study found on various standard limbs leads (I, II &III), augmented unipolar limb leads and chest leads in healthy subjects following integrated approach of yoga therapy (IAYT). Hence, the present study aims to evaluate a short term effect with IAYT on standard limb leads (II)using vectors in both young and old aged male subjects residing in rural area. Materials & methods: Forty subjects with varying age group in between 35 to 50 years were recruited and divided into two groups (A & B) or control(C) groups was considered from pre IAYT. Study group received IAYT programmed for six week. BMI was calculated, Height was taken and body weight was measured. ECG was taken using BPL ECG recorder (Cardiart 8108T).Baseline and post- test assessments were taken before and after the intervention. PC based cardiovascular analyzer was used for recording pulse wave velocity (PWV) and arterial stiffness index (ASI). Result: Significant difference was noted on heart rate, R-R interval, arterial stiffness and pulse wave velocity in study groups both A &B when compared with control group (Pre- IAYT). No significant reduction was observed on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, body weight, height & BMI in study group when compared with control. Other waves of chest leads and augmented unipolar limb leads were unchanged. Conclusion: Result of this study suggest that the IAYT is not more effective in reducing blood pressure changes in study group aged in between 35 to 50 years male subjects (group-A&B) but more effective with the durations of different waves of standard limb leads (II) and heart rate suggesting parasympathetic dominance.