Effect of yogic breathing (pranayama) in patients with syncope
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effect of Sudarshana Kriya Yoga (SKY) breathing exercises(pranayama)in patients with Vasovagal syncope
IRAS ID
270208
Contact name
Venkat D Nagarajan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA, NA
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Vasovagal syncope (VVS) also referred as neurally mediated syncope is a transient condition causing blackout as a result of intermittent dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates blood pressure and heart rate. VVS results from sudden imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves with sudden withdrawal of sympathetic nerve inputs resulting in drop in blood pressure drop in heart rate or both. Medications such as Fludrocortisone (helps retain salt and fluid) and Midodrine (helps increase blood pressure) are not always effective. Life style advises such as increased fluid intake, lying flat during episodes and lower limb exercises to improve blood flow have been shown to be beneficial. Yoga (physical exercises) has shown to be beneficial in young female patients with VVS.
Pranayama (ancient yogic breathing techniques) helps harmonizing breathing by regular voluntary control of breath. Yoga has been shown to modulate autonomic nervous functions of the brain. Sudarshana kriya Yoga (SKY) is a unique form of pranayama taught by ‘’Art of Living UK’’ a non-profit organization –for over two decades. SKY is a simple rhythmic breathing technique (easy to practice) that aims at harmonizing body, mind and emotions.
In our current pilot study we aim to assess feasibility and effect of SKY in patients with vasovagal syncope.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0008
Date of REC Opinion
27 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion