The Effects of Bikram Yoga on Selected Cardiopulmonary Measures and Psychological Constructs
Date
2011-08
Authors
Abel, Allison N.
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Abstract
This study examined the effects of 60-days of Bikram yoga on measures of pulmonary function, cardiovascular health and psychological parameters. Twenty-two subjects (17 females and 5 males) participated in a 60-day Bikram yoga challenge. Measurements were taken before and immediately after the challenge. The psychological measures of core self-evaluation (CSE), intrinsic motivation and life satisfaction increased significantly by 8.34%, 3.84%, and 8.18%, respectively. In addition, the pulmonary function parameters of Forced Vital Capacity
(FVC), % pred. FVC, and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1.0) significantly decreased by 4.47%, 4.43% and 4.46%, respectively. Resting heart rate (HR) significantly decreased by 5.70% and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly decreased by 7.23%. None of the cardiovascular measures during exercise showed a significant difference. In conclusion, 60-days of Bikram yoga will improve CSE, intrinsic motivation, life satisfaction and resting cardiovascular function, but will not improve resting pulmonary function or cardiopulmonary function during exercise
Description
Keywords
Bikram yoga, Yoga, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Core self evaluation, Intrinsic motivation, Life satisfaction, VO2max, Heat
Citation
Abel, A. N. (2011). <i>The effects of Bikram yoga on selected cardiopulmonary measures and psychological constructs</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.