Comparative Effects of Yoga and Aerobic Exercise on Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Function in Medical Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aimː The protective role of physical activity on cardiovascular and pulmonary health is well established; however, comparative evidence between yoga and aerobic exercise remains limited. This study aimed to compare their effectiveness in improving cardiovascular and pulmonary function. Methods: This parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted between March and August 2024 at a tertiary care teaching institute in southern Uttar Pradesh, India. Of 450 enrolled MBBS students aged 18–25 years, 360 participants completed the study. Participants were randomized to yoga or aerobic exercise, and outcome assessors were blinded. Both groups had supervised 45-minute daily sessions for 12 weeks. Cardiovascular and pulmonary parameters were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Results: Both exercises significantly improved cardiovascular and pulmonary parameters after 12 weeks. Compared with aerobic exercise, yoga resulted in greater improvements in resting heart rate and blood pressure. Pulmonary parameters improved significantly in both groups; however, aerobic exercise was associated with greater improvements in dynamic pulmonary function, particularly FEV1 and PEFR. No significant between-group differences were observed for respiratory rate and FVC. Conclusion: Both interventions significantly improved cardiovascular and pulmonary function, with yoga showing greater cardiovascular benefits and aerobic exercise providing superior improvements in dynamic pulmonary function.