Role of yoga and meditation on serum DHEAS level in first year medical students
Kislay Kumar, Devesh Kumar, Vinay Pratap Singh, Pooja Tripathi Pandey, Divya Divya
International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences May 25, 2018 DOI: 10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20182280 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Controlled intervention study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 55 |
| Population | First-year medical students with low DHEAS levels due to acute stress |
| Intervention | Yoga |
| Duration | 1 hour/day for 12 weeks |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | The authors report that 12 weeks of supervised daily yoga significantly increased morning serum DHEAS in medical students (3.1% increase, p=0.025), while the control group showed a 23.2% decrease that was not statistically significant. They conclude yoga improved immunological status and enhanced mood and behavior. |
Abstract
Background: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), secreted by adrenal cortex, acts in the human body as a neurosteroid, cardio-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and immune-enhancing agent. It is also reported as a youth hormone. But due to various stimulators of stress, and also as an antagonist of cortisol, DHEAS level decreases. Yoga and meditation regulates the level of hormones and neurotransmitters that affect physiological function.Methods: This study was performed on 1st yr. medical students whose DHEAS level was low due to acute stress. 55 medical students were selected as participants through counseling and were divided into Yoga group (n= 27) and control group (n=28). Their morning serum DHEAS level was assessed and yoga group were instructed to practice Yoga (1hr/day for 12 weeks) under supervision of Yoga instructor. No such instruction was given to control group.Results: As a marker of youth and immunity, increase in DHEAS level decreases susceptibility to infections, reduces aging process as well as improves other functions. Yoga and meditation is documented to increase DHEAS level in regular practitioners. Statistical analysis has shown an increase in morning S. DHEAS level in yoga practitioners. Pre-study and post study values were 3.5±2.48 and 3.61±1.73 respectively in yoga group (overall 3.1% increase, P Value = 0.025, significant at 0.05) whereas 3.36±1.98 and 2.58±1.49 respectively in control group (23.2% decrease, P Value =0.84, not significant).Conclusions: This study concludes that practicing Yoga has significantly raised S. DHEAS level in medical students and improved their immunological status as well as enhances mood and behavior.