Comparison of Physical, Physiological and Psychological Parameters in Menopausal Women Practicing Yoga and Non-Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: As women enter menopause, they experience numerous changes physiologically and psychologically which may affect their quality of life. These changes often result in women seeking alternative methods to improve their quality of life, such as practicing yoga. Thus, we sought to compare both physical and physiological/psychological parameters between yogic practitioners and non practitioners in menopausal women. Aim: To compare physical, physiological and psychological parameters in menopausal women practicing yoga and non-practitioners. Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional observational study that included 120 menopausal women (60 men and women each for exercise and controls). We measured physical parameters of subjects using the WHO STEPS protocol for functionality. We assessed physiological parameters with PeriScope (Cardiovascular analysis device) and stress level was evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Data was analysed using the independent t-test. Results: No significant differences in physical parameters existed between the two groups (yoga practitioners/control). Yoga practitioners also demonstrated significantly less heart rate (p = 0.04), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.017), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.012), mean arterial pressure (p = 0.008) and lower PSS scores (p = 0.001) when compared to controls. Conclusion: Yoga is associated with improved physiological and psychological health among menopausal women.