Transcendental meditation (tm) and stress management program on pulse rate and blood pressure: a comparative study

Abstract

Background: Disorders of cardiovascular system especially hypertension and ischemic heart disease are leading causes of death all over the world. Stress is one of the important factors precipitating above diseases. In today’s life stress is inevitable. Meditation and stress management are important to reduce the stress. Aims, settings and design: In the present study effect of 6 weeks of meditation and stress management programme were studied on pulse and blood pressure. Methods and materials: For present study 150 volunteers were selected in two groups each containing 75 volunteers. Group I volunteers were trained for TM. After training period they practiced TM every day 20 minutes for 6 weeks. Pulse rate and B.P. were recorded before and after the practicing session and results were statistically analysed. Group II volunteers were subjected to stress management programme, they practiced various breathing exercises, some asana and relaxation technique each day 20 minutes for 6 weeks. Pulse and B.P. were recorded before and after the practicing session and results were statistically analysed. Statistical analysis: Results obtained were compared with the control readings taken before the session. Student’‘t’ test was applied for the results. Result: Comparison of results of TM and stress management programme was done by statistical analysis. Both the sessions were equally effective. There was significant reduction in pulse rate in both the groups. However there was no significant effect on blood pressure in both the groups. Conclusion: In the present study Transcendental meditation and stress management programme caused significant reduction in pulse rate. There was however no significant reduction in systolic or diastolic blood pressure in the volunteers. This was probably due to short duration (6weeks) of TM and stress management programme. Long duration of such programme should prove more beneficial in order to reduce the blood pressure and should be employed widely is the society.