Effects of yoga interventions practiced in heated and thermoneutral conditions on endothelium-dependent vasodilation: The Bikram yoga heart study

Abstract

We have previously documented improvements in endothelium-dependent vasodilation with a Bikram (hot) yoga intervention in middle-aged adults. Presently, the effect of environmental temperature in hot yoga on endothelial function is unknown.

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of Bikram yoga interventions performed in the heated and thermoneutral conditions on endothelium-dependent vasodilation.

Methods

Fifty-two sedentary but apparently healthy adults aged 40–60 years were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Bikram yoga practiced at 40.5°C (n = 19), Bikram yoga practiced at 23°C (n = 14), or sedentary time-control (n = 19). The yoga interventions consisted of 90-minute Bikram yoga classes 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was measured noninvasively using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD).

Results

Body fat percentage determined via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was significantly lower in the hot yoga group after the intervention than in the thermoneutral yoga and control conditions. Brachial artery FMD increased (P < 0.05) in the thermoneutral yoga group and tended to increase in the hot yoga group (P = 0.056). No changes occurred in the control group. There were no significant differences in FMD change scores between groups.

Conclusions

Bikram yoga practiced in thermoneutral conditions improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation in healthy, middle-aged adults. These novels findings highlight the effectiveness of hatha yoga postures alone, in the absence of a heated practice environment, in improving vascular health and are of clinical significance given the increased propensity toward heat intolerance in aging adults.

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