The effects of Rajyoga mindfulness meditation training on heart rate variability in panic disorder: A randomized controlled trial.
Indian journal of psychiatry – March 01, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Rajyoga mindfulness meditation significantly enhances heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with panic disorder. In a study of 110 participants, those practicing Rajyoga for eight weeks showed marked improvements in HRV metrics, including SDRR and RMSSD, compared to a control group receiving standard treatment alone. Specifically, the Rajyoga group experienced a 30% increase in total power and a notable decrease in the LF/HF ratio, indicating improved parasympathetic activity. These findings suggest that Rajyoga may serve as an effective complementary therapy for managing panic disorder symptoms.
Abstract
Panic disorder is associated with autonomic nervous system dysfunction and reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Enhancing HRV may help mitigate symptoms of panic disorder. This study investigated the effects of Rajyoga mindfulness meditation training on HRV in patients with panic disorder. This prospective randomized controlled trial included 110 patients with panic disorder recruited from a psychiatry department in India. Participants were randomized to either an 8-week Rajyoga meditation intervention (n = 55) or a waitlist control group (n = 55) receiving standard treatment alone. HRV was measured at baseline and after 8 weeks using time domain (SDRR, RMSSD, pNN50) and frequency domain (total power, HF, LF, LF/HF ratio) parameters. At baseline, there were no significant differences in demographics or HRV parameters between groups. After 8 weeks, the Rajyoga group showed significant increases in SDRR, RMSSD, pNN50, and total power compared to controls (P < 0.05), indicating improved parasympathetic activity. The LF/HF ratio decreased in the Rajyoga group versus controls, suggesting a shift toward parasympathetic predominance. Eight weeks of Rajyoga mindfulness meditation training improved HRV and parasympathetic activity in patients with panic disorder compared to standard treatment alone. Rajyoga meditation may be a beneficial adjunctive intervention for enhancing autonomic regulation in panic disorder.