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.
