Yoga has long been considered beneficial for health, but a recent study indicates it may not be as effective as traditional exercises. Published in the journal
, this study found yoga to be less effective in enhancing vascular function and heart health. This research focused on sedentary adults.
Objective and Methodology of the Study
This study is a review of existing literature, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), crossover trials, and non-randomized studies. Researchers compared the effects of yoga and other exercises like Tai Chi, Pilates, and High-Intensity Interval Training on health.
Focus was on vascular function, measured via ultrasound. Vascular function refers to the flexibility and responsiveness of blood vessels, aiding in effectively transporting blood to tissues.
Source: aajtak
Sedentary behavior, like prolonged sitting, impacts vascular function negatively, increasing risks such as high blood pressure, cholesterol buildup, and thrombosis. Dr. Leena David from Sharjah University remarked that blood vessels should be envisioned as flexible garden hoses. If they stiffen, it heightens the chances of heart attack and stroke.
Our study shows that structured exercise maintains this flexibility, whereas yoga offers some benefits but is unreliable. Improvements are seen in middle-aged and seniors, but not in younger people.
Why is Yoga Less Effective?
The study found that traditional exercises, including Tai Chi, Pilates, and HIIT, consistently improved vascular function among sedentary individuals, whereas yoga did not. Measurements like Flow-Mediated Dilation (FMD) and Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) were less effective with yoga.
Despite small sample sizes and short durations, exercise generally yielded better results. Dr. David emphasized that activity is crucial, but the type, intensity, and consistency of exercise are key elements for vascular health. Even simple routines strengthen arteries.
Source: aajtak
Blood vessels hold a "memory"—every workout can reverse the toll of prolonged sitting. Sitting for too long is akin to smoking in its stealthy theft of your blood vessels' vitality, and movement is its rightful remedy.
These findings are significant for the world's 300 million yoga practitioners and 620 million affected by cardiovascular diseases. Yoga remains accessible and culturally significant, but it should be complemented with vigorous exercise for heart benefits.
The Importance of Vascular Health
Vascular function is the ability of blood vessels to adequately deliver blood to tissues, with flexibility being a major indicator of heart health. Prolonged sitting deteriorates vascular function, increasing risks of hypertension, cholesterol issues, and thrombosis.
The study suggests exercise mitigates these risks, while improvements through yoga are inconsistent. Yoga is less effective in young people but shows some benefits for seniors.
Source: aajtak
Researchers stress that exercise is crucial not just for weight management but also for vascular health. Dr. David stated, "Yoga has deep cultural roots. It is for complete health, but it should be integrated with high-intensity exercises."
Public health campaigns should advocate a mix of exercise and yoga to improve heart health. It's about protecting your body's internal GPS system that keeps you alive. This study prioritizes exercise but does not entirely dismiss yoga.
