DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2013.v01i06.0045

Pages: 852-856

YOGA is a curative as well as preventive therapy. This study intended to evaluate the effect of yoga training on various hematological parameters based on the hypothesis that long term regular yoga practice have cardioprotectant and antistress role in young healthy individuals. A prospective study was conducted in 47 normal healthy male participants, aged between 15-35 years. The hematological parameters studied include Hb concentration, RBC count, TLC, PCV, ESR and blood indices which included MCV, MCH and MCHC. The experimental group is considered as control for own before the training. Pre and post yoga training data were analyzed by students paired t test. Post yoga training participants showed, significant increase in MCHC (32.2±1.0 Vs 34.8±1.3, p<0.01), haemoglobin concentration (13.2±2 Vs 14.6±2.1, p<0.05) and neutrophil count. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (11.4±2.87 Vs 3.87±1.81, p<0.01) and total leucocyte count decreased after yoga. Packed cell volume, red blood cell count and other white blood cells showed changes but within physiological limit. In conclusions, the improvement in hemoglobin concentration and MCHC without increase in number of RBC and haematocrit indicates cardioprotectant and antistress effect of yoga. This statement further supported by decrease total leucocyte count and ESR after yoga. Yoga can be recommended as combined therapy in various clinical conditions, where these parameters altered.