Effect of combined <i>yoga</i> programme on blood levels of thyroid hormones: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

There are marked variations in thyroid axis function with advancing age. <i>Yoga</i> is a comprehensive mind-body approach, regular practice of which claim to delay the onset of aging process. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of combine graded <i>yoga</i> program on the basal level of thyroid hormones in healthy middle-aged adults. Forty five healthy men and women were divided into two groups, that is, <i>yoga</i> practicing (experimental: male 15, age 42.80 ± 7.43 yrs; female 8, age 44.75 ± 8.40 yrs) and waitlisted control group (male 15, age 41.67 ± 7.87 yrs; female 7, age 45.43 ± 7.00 yrs). The experimental group underwent combine yogic practices daily in the morning for 6 days/week for 12 weeks, whereas control group continued their usual routine activities. Basal level of serum thyrotropin (TSH), Triiodothyronine (T₃) and Thyroxine (T₄) were measured before commencement and after 6 and 12 weeks of yogic training. The repeated measure ANOVA was used for data analysis. Percentage (%) was also calculated from the mean value to see the quantitative changes of <i>yogic</i> training. Twelve weeks of <i>yogic</i> training produces a significant (least significant difference, p < 0.05) increase in serum TSH level for male and decrease in T₃ and T₄ for both male and female groups as compared to their baseline data, whereas no such changes were observed in the control group during these 12 weeks. Combine approach of graded <i>yogic</i> training modulates the secretion and function of thyroid hormones, identified as one of the regulatory factor associated with aging process.