Effects of Yoga and Resistance Training on Metabolic and Anthropometric Parameters in Hypertensive Subjects

The aim of the present study was to assess effects of yoga and resistance trainings on metabolic, anthropometric parameters in patients with hypertension. Cross-sectional study, which included 92 hypertensive patients without cardiovascular events and diabetes mellites, was conducted. Subjects regularly practicing yoga or resistance training not less than 2 times a week for a period more than one year were included in the study. Yoga trainings were defined as yoga asanas and resistance trainings were defined as any exercise that causes the muscles to contract against an external resistance. Anthropometric parameters, blood lipids and glucose, HOMA-index and uric acid were assessed. International Questionnaire on long Physical Activity was used to assess physical activity during week. Dietary habits were assessed with software “Test of Rational Nutrition TRN-D03”. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17.0. In analysis of metabolic parameters only subjects with comparable level of physical activity and daily food calorie intake were included. Body mass index was significantly higher in “resistance training group” (29,65±3,67 and 24,72±2,19 kg/m2; p=0,001). Proportion of muscle tissue was significantly higher in “resistance training group” (45,17±1,12%) than in “yoga group” (38,21±5,36%), p=0,001. HOMA-index did not differ significantly between “yoga training” and “resistance training” groups (2,1±0,9 and 2,7±1,1; p=0,32). HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher in “yoga training” group (1,71±0,32 mmol/l; 1,33±0,24 mmol/l, p =0,004). LDL cholesterol did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion. Although “resistance training” increase proportion of muscle tissue, no significant effect on HOME-index was found. “Yoga training” had more significant positive influence on HDL cholesterol.