Effect of Bhramari Pranayama on Heart Rate Variability (HRV) in Hypertension - A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and is often managed through medication and lifestyle modifications. Non-pharmacological interventions like yoga and pranayama, particularly bhramari pranayama, have been shown to improve cardiovascular health by enhancing autonomic regulation and reducing stress. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effect of bhramari pranayama on heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure in individuals with primary hypertension. Methods: A randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the International Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy Medical Sciences, Chengalpattu. Eighty participants with moderate hypertension will be randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will practice bhramari pranayama for 10 minutes daily for 14 days. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and blood pressure will be measured before and after the intervention. The control group will rest for 10 minutes without intervention. Results: Statistical analysis will be performed using Prism GraphPad Software Version 10.2.2. Unpaired Student’s t test will be used to determine the significance of the difference between the two independent groups among continuous variables. Significance will be set at a 5% level, and p value less than or equal to 0.05 will be taken as significant. Statistical significance between and within the group will be analyzed. We anticipate that, after practice of bhramari pranayama, parasympathetic dominance of HRV and reduced blood pressure. Conclusion: Bhramari pranayama effectively improves HRV and reduces blood pressure in individuals with primary hypertension. It may offer a non-pharmacological approach to managing hypertension.