Effect of Muslim Prayer (Salat) positions on the intra-ocular pressure in healthy young individuals.

PURPOSE: There is a lack of research examining the effects of Muslim prayer (Salat) positions on the intra-ocular pressure (IOP). Considering its involvement with postural changes, this study aimed to investigate the changes in the IOP upon assuming Salat positions before, immediately after, and after 2 minutes of prayer in healthy young adults.

METHODS

This prospective, observational study recruited healthy young individuals aged between 18 and 30 years. The IOP measurements were obtained in one eye using Auto Kerato-Refracto-Tonometer TRK-1P, Topcon at baseline before assuming prayer positions, immediately after, and after 2 minutes of the prayer.

RESULTS

Forty female participants were recruited, with a mean age of 21 ± 2.9 years, a mean weight of 59.7 ± 14.8 (kg), and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 23.8 ± 5.7 (kg/m2). Only 16% had a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (n = 15). All participants started with a mean IOP at baseline of 19.35 ± 1.65 mmHg, which increased to 20 ± 2.38 mmHg and declined to 19.85 ± 2.67 mmHg after 2 minutes of Salat. The difference between the mean IOPs at baseline, immediately after, and after 2 minutes of Salat was not significant (p = 0.06). However, there was a significant difference between the baseline IOP measurements and those immediately after Salat (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

A significant difference was found between the IOP measurements at baseline and immediately after Salat; however, this was not clinically significant. Further investigation is warranted to confirm these findings and explore the effect of a longer duration of Salat in glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients.