Effect of Yoga on Biomarkers and Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia in Participants with Hypertension from India’s Central Industrial Security Force

Abstract Background: The central industrial security force (CISF) in India works in high-stress conditions, contributing to hypertension among its personnel. This study examined the impact of a yoga intervention on cardiovascular biomarkers among CISF personnel with hypertension. Methods: The randomized controlled trial consisted of 88 male CISF personnel aged 25–60 posted in the Indian Space Research Organization in Bengaluru. The yoga program included loosening exercises, pranayama, asanas, relaxation, and meditation. The intervention was conducted for 1 h daily, 5 days a week for 3 months. Cardiovascular biomarkers, blood pressure (BP), weight, height, and waist circumference were assessed at baseline and postintervention. Results: The yoga group demonstrated significant reductions in systolic BP ( W = 1802.00, P < 0.001), diastolic BP ( W = 1824.50, P < 0.001), and heart rate ( W = 1685.00, P < 0.001) at postintervention. However, nonsignificant trends were observed in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine levels, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) per inspiration, and waist circumference. Furthermore, significant improvements were noted in RSA per expiration ( W = 688.00, P = 0.002) and weight ( W = 709.00, P = 0.03) in the yoga group compared to the control group. Conclusion: The study has shown the effectiveness of yoga in improving cardiovascular health among CISF personnel with hypertension. Significant reductions were observed in BP, heart rate, and weight. However, the study found nonsignificant changes in inflammatory markers such as hs-CRP and homocysteine. Yoga shows promise as a complementary therapy for managing hypertension alongside conventional treatment.