Effects of Yoga Training on Body Composition and Oxidant-Antioxidant Status among Healthy Male.

Background: The stressful condition may cause oxidative stress, which is responsible for various diseases.

Aims: The present study was designed to find out whether yoga has impact on the reduction of oxidative stress.

Methods: For the present study, 95 ( n = 95) healthy male volunteers within the age group of 18-24 years were included, 35 ( n = 35) volunteers were excluded. The remaining 60 ( n = 60) volunteers were randomly divided into two groups: (a) Yoga Group ( n = 30) and (b) Control Group ( n = 30). Yoga training was given for 60 min per day, 6 days per week for 12 weeks in the yoga group, with no yoga training in control group. Assessment of body composition and oxidant-antioxidant status were performed in both the groups at baseline, before yoga training (0 week) and after (12 weeks) of the training.

Results: Significant reduction ( P < 0.001) in the percentage of body fat and malondialdehyde; significant elevation ( P < 0.001) in superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid levels were noted in the yoga group after 12 weeks when compared to baseline data (0 week). However, there was no significant difference in height, weight, body mass index, body surface area and lean body mass among the yoga group after 12 weeks when compared to baseline data. These changes might be due to yoga training.

Conclusions: Regular yoga practice reduces body fat and oxidative stress. Yoga training may be helpful to reduce the chance of occurrence of various diseases and helps to maintain normal healthy lifestyle.