Autonomic recovery following submaximal exercise in yoga practitioners versus aerobic and strength-trained individuals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rapid autonomic recovery after physical stress is a hallmark of cardiovascular health. While both yoga and conventional exercise modulate autonomic function, direct comparisons of their effect on post-exercise recovery are scarce. This study compared autonomic recovery in yoga practitioners versus those in aerobic or resistance training.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 51 healthy adults (18-35 years) in three long-term training groups: Yoga (n = 17), Aerobic (n = 17), and Resistance (n = 17). Participants performed a 5-minute submaximal Harvard step test. Heart rate variability (HRV) was analyzed from electrocardiograms recorded at baseline and during a 10-minute post-exercise recovery.

Results

After adjusting for baseli

SUBMITTER: N S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12818321 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature