Evaluating Yogic Breathing and Relaxation Against Standard Lifestyle Interventions for Hypertension: A 12-week Randomised Trial.

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a major global health concern associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle interventions, including yoga-based stress management, are increasingly recognized as complementary approaches for blood pressure control..

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week structured yogic breathing and relaxation programme compared with standard non-pharmacological care in adults with hypertension.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial at AIIMS Rishikesh, 66 adults with Stage 1 hypertension or elevated blood pressure were randomized to either a yoga intervention or standard care. The intervention group practised a validated 40-minute daily yoga module comprising pranayama and relaxation techniques. Primary outcomes were changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while secondary outcomes included BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, sleep quality, perceived stress, and alcohol use.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks, the yoga group showed significant reductions in systolic (132.42 ± 3.96 to 124.06 ±4.11 mmHg; p <0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (84.42± 2.82 to 78.61 ± 3.89 mmHg; p <0.01), with significant improvements in perceived stress (p=0.001) and sleep quality (p = 0.019). BMI and waist-to-hip ratio showed clinically relevant but non-significant improvements.

CONCLUSION

A 12-week yogic breathing and relaxation programme effectively reduced blood pressure and improved lifestyle parameters, supporting its integration into hypertension management. Further long-term studies are warranted.