RESULTS

There was a significant increase in PFR (60%) FEV1. FVC (18%) (though FEV1/ FVC % did not change), Breath holding time (40%), and a significant reduction in heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic and diastolic BP readings, body weight, and also in the number of errors made in the steadiness test (Table 1). There was a trend of increase in Galvanic Skin Resistance (GSR) reflecting reduction in sympathetic activity supplying the sweat glands. However this was not significant (paired t-test, two tailed) for the group as a whole. When the GSR data of each subject was analysed separately (Student's t-test, two tailed), it was revealed that at the end of 3 months, the subjects fell into 3 groups: (i) 21 subjects had increased GSR, (ii) 9 subjects had decreased GSR, and (iii) 10 subjects showed no change. On examining the GSR data of the subjects belonging to each of the 3 groups separately, it was observed that the subjects who showed increased GSR at the end of 3 months had lower initial values than the others (group average initial value ± S.E was 44.1±2.7 K Ohms) and after 3months the group average value S.E. was 82.0±4.7 KOhms. On the other hand, those who showed a decrease at the end of 3 months had higher initial values than the rest (group average initial value S.E. was 116.5±3.8 KOhms). Their final value (group average ± S.E. was 79.1 = 2.4 K Ohms). The subjects who showed no change had initial values in- between those of the other two groups (group average initial value ± S.E. was 82.0 ± 8.4 K Ohms) and this did not alter significantly after 3 months (group average ± S.E. was 74.0 t. 7.0).

Summary

1. This report shows that in a group of 40 physical education teachers who already had an average of 8.9 years physical training, 3 months of yogic training produced significant improvement in general health (in terms of body weight and BP reduction and improved lung functions).

2. There was also evidence of decreased autonomic arousal and more of psychophysiological relaxation (heart rate and respiratory rate reduction), and improved somatic steadiness (decreased errors in the steadiness test).

3. The changes at the end of 3 months in volar GSR in different directions (increase /decrease/ no change), depending on the initial values, suggests that practising yoga may help to bring about a balance in different autonomic functions, so that functioning is optimised.