What’s This Research About?
This study examined how a 6-month yoga program affected vascular health in sedentary office workers—a group at risk for cardiovascular issues due to prolonged sitting. Using an interrupted time-series design, the researchers evaluated changes in carotid and femoral artery function through Doppler ultrasound at baseline, during, and after the intervention. The results showed improvements in vascular parameters, including artery diameter, blood flow velocity, and shear stress.
The purpose was to assess whether a structured six-month yoga intervention could improve central (carotid) and peripheral (superficial femoral) artery health in sedentary office workers by measuring vascular parameters over time.
- Sedentary behavior is a known risk for cardiovascular disease.
- Yoga is proposed as a low-impact intervention with cardiovascular and stress-relief benefits.
- This study focuses specifically on measurable vascular changes as indicators of improved cardiovascular health.
TITLE: Effects of a six-month yoga intervention on vascular parameters in sedentary office workers: An interrupted time-series study design
PUBLICATION: Journal of Education and Health Promotion
DATE: May 2025
AUTHORS: Poovitha Shruthi Paramashiva, K Annapoorna, K Vaishali, K N Shivashankar, Baskaran Chandrasekaran, Krishna Yerraguntla, Govardhan G Reddy, Suresh Sukumar, Sneha Ravichandran, Dilip Shettigar, Sathya Sabina Muthu, Koustubh Kamath, Cyril Biji, Rajagopal Kadavigere
Interrupted time-series study design: A quasi-experimental method used to evaluate the effect of an intervention over time when randomization isn’t possible. It involves collecting repeated measurements before and after a specific event or intervention—called the “interruption.”
Common Vascular Parameters (used in yoga and fitness research):
- Artery Diameter: Measures how wide a blood vessel is. A larger diameter can indicate relaxed vessels and better blood flow, while a narrower diameter may suggest stiffness or constriction.
- Blood Flow Velocity: Refers to how fast blood moves through a vessel. Measured using Doppler ultrasound. Lower or higher than normal speeds can indicate circulatory problems.
- Wall Shear Stress (WSS): The frictional force of blood flowing along the vessel wall. Abnormal shear stress can contribute to plaque buildup or damage to the vessel wall.
- Arterial Compliance or Stiffness: Measures how flexible the arteries are. Stiff arteries are associated with higher cardiovascular risk.
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