Changes of physiological variables in hypertensive men practicing yoga and brisk walking

The main objective of this investigation was to find out the effect of yoga and brisk walking on selected physiological variables (blood pressure and pulse rate) among hypertensive men. Subjects included in this study were equally divided into three major groups comprised of 30 per group. The detailed description are Group I underwent yogic practices, Group II underwent brisk walking and Group III acted as control. The study was formulated by the random design, consisting of a pre test and post test. Pre test were conducted for all the 90 subjects on selected physiological variable including blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) and pulse rate. The experimental groups participated in their respective yoga and brisk walking exercises for a period of twelve weeks. The post tests were conducted for all the subjects again after experimentation of yoga and brisk walking exercises. The data obtained were analyzed by Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to assess the significant difference among the groups on post test for physiological variables. It is concluded that regular practices of yoga decreased blood pressure and pulse rate effectively among hypertension middle aged men than the control group. Brisk walking also reduced effectively blood pressure and pulse rate among hypertension middle aged men than the control group. It is found that yoga are slightly effective than brisk walking on systolic blood pressure whereas yogic practices and walking both are equally effective in diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate.