Effect of pranayama on sympatho-vagal imbalance and cognitive deficit in premenstrual syndrome

Abstract

ABSTRACT Context: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a prevalent and often neglected condition that affects around 80% of women of reproductive age. In PMS, abnormal fluctuations in gonadal hormones cause altered homeostasis, resulting in sympatho-vagal imbalance and poor cognition. Aim: To compare autonomic function parameters and cognitive performance between PMS and control groups, and to study the effect of pranayama on the above parameters in PMS women. Settings and Design: It was a randomized control trial. Materials and Methods: We recruited 40 women of reproductive age who fit the inclusion criteria. They were asked to complete the Premenstrual Syndrome Screening Tool (PSST) questionnaire and were categorized as having PMS (n = 20) or not having PMS (n = 20). All study participants had their baseline CAFT, HRV, BRS, P300, and MOCA values recorded. Following that, participants in the PMS group were divided into two groups of ten at random. For 8 weeks, one group received pranayama training. Following that, all baseline data were recorded again in both the pranayama and no-intervention groups. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. For parametric data, the unpaired t test was used to compare between the PMS and no PMS groups, whereas the Mann–Whitney U test was employed for non-parametric data. To compare the parameters before and after intervention, the Students paired ‘t’ test for parametric data and the Wilcoxan-signed rank test for non-parametric data were used. Results: According to the findings, autonomic function and cognition were considerably affected in the PMS group and improved significantly in the PMS group following pranayama intervention. Conclusion: Pranayama is an effective and safe non-pharmacological method for treating PMS and improving women’s quality of life.