Effect of Yogic Breathing (Pranayama) on Anthropometric and Cardiovascular Parameters in Undergraduate Medical Students: A Pre–Post Observational Study

Background: Pranayama, a yogic breathing technique, has been proposed as a non-pharmacological intervention capable of modulating autonomic function; however, evidence in young, healthy populations remains limited. Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of a 12-week structured pranayama intervention on anthropometric parameters (weight, body mass index) and cardiovascular parameters (heart rate, systolic blood pressure [SBP] and diastolic blood pressure [DBP]) among undergraduate medical students. Methods: A prospective pre–post observational study was conducted among 60 undergraduate medical students aged 18–21 years in a tertiary care teaching institution in Kerala, India. Participants underwent supervised pranayama practice (20–45 min/day, 6 days/week) for 12 weeks, including Kapalabhati, Anulom Vilom, Bhastrika, and Bhramari techniques. Anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters were measured at baseline and post-intervention under standardized conditions. Data were analyzed using paired t -tests, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Following the intervention, a significant reduction was observed in cardiovascular parameters. Mean heart rate decreased from 74.50 ± 6.21 to 72.17 ± 6.28 beats/min ( P < 0.0001). SBP declined from 119.87 ± 9.29 to 115.50 ± 11.14 mmHg, and DBP from 72.90 ± 7.08 to 68.97 ± 6.54 mmHg (both P < 0.0001). Anthropometric parameters showed modest reductions; however, these were statistically significant only among male participants, while remaining non-significant in females. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of pranayama practice significantly improves cardiovascular parameters, likely through enhanced parasympathetic activity and reduced sympathetic tone. While short-term effects on anthropometric measures are limited, pranayama represents a simple, safe, and scalable intervention for early cardiovascular risk reduction in young adults.