title: Autonomic Functions In Raja-yoga Meditators.
abstract: Stress, an inevitable and constant feature throughout the lifetime, induces autonomic dysfunctions, for which meditation is considered to be an antidote. So the case control study was planned including 50 Raja-yoga meditators practicing meditation for 5 years and 50 age matched non-meditators. Autonomic function tests were performed and results were compared using the Student-t test. Mean values of resting HR, SBP and DBP were less in meditators. Galvanic Skin Response in meditators was significantly more (p < 0.001). Mean increase BP response to Hand Grip Test and Cold Pressor Test was significantly less in meditators than non-meditators (p < 0.001). Standing: Lying ratio, Valsalva ratio, Inspiration: Expiration ratio and 30:15 ratios were significantly increased in meditators than non-meditators. From the results, there was shifting of the autonomic balance to parasympathetic side in Raja-yoga meditators, which suggests its utility to combat the ill effects of stress.
authors.forename: Jyotsana R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Bharshankar
authors.forename: Archana D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Mandape
authors.forename: Mrunal S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Phatak
authors.forename: Rajay N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Bharshankar
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000294:innervation*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D045853:Exhalation; D005260:Female; D005712:Galvanic Skin Response; D018737:Hand Strength; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D056152:Respiratory Rate; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation*; D012881:Skin Temperature; D016683:Supine Position; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014636:Valsalva Maneuver; D015013:Yoga