Effect of a Yogic Breathing Technique on Immune Parameters among Healthcare Workers: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Archana Balasubramanian, P. Nagarajan, Mathangi Damal Chandrasekar, Kaviraja Udupa, Emmanuel Bhaskar, Divya Kanchibotla, S. Subramanian
Traditional and Integrative Medicine January 6, 2025 DOI: 10.18502/tim.v9i4.17474 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot randomized controlled trial Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 38 |
| Population | Healthcare workers without medical illness, recruited from a single centre in South India |
| Intervention | Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Key findings | After 12 weeks, mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio decreased in both groups without statistical significance. The SKY group showed slightly higher interleukin-6, higher mean interleukin-4, and higher CD56 and CD8 counts than controls, while cortisol did not differ. The authors present these as pilot data for larger trials. |
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) have faced challenging situations globally with increased stress and its related inflammatory/immune disorders, leaving behind a deficit in the number of HCWs worldwide. An increased focus on their physical and mental well-being is strongly warranted. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, pranayama, and meditation have great potential to promote health and prevent diseases. This study aims to determine the effects of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) on inflammatory and immune parameters among HCWs. This pilot randomized controlled trial includes recruiting HCWs from a single centre in South India in 2022. We excluded any form of medical illness and recruited regular volunteers. The SKY intervention was delivered and followed up for 12 weeks. Baseline and post-SKY intervention blood investigations were compared between study and control groups (1:1 ratio) and analyzed. Thirty-eight subjects were recruited for the pilot study. Among them, 27 were females (71%) and 11 males (29%). Pro-inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio showed a decrease in mean values after 12 weeks in both groups, which was not statistically significant. A slight increase in interleukin (IL)-6 values and a higher IL-4 mean values was observed in the study group compared to controls. CD56 and CD8 counts were higher in the study group compared to controls. However, no such difference was noted in cortisol levels. This pilot study provides data for further large-scale studies to examine the effect of easily deliverable mindfulness-based interventions among the healthcare community to improve their health and well-being.