Abstract

OXIDATIVE STRESS – A CHALLENGE BETWEEN SKY AND EXERCISE

Geetha Hounnurappa*

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This paper is in response to two challenges first with exercise physiologists and secondly with Sudarshankriya yoga (SKY) therapist’s. Both are interested in “Oxygen / Prana” which is both essential & harmful to all life forms. However, the interest of the general scientific community in oxygen- centred radicals has raised awareness of the oxygen paradox & motivated the investigators to question whether exercise-stimulated “over consumption” of oxygen might induce oxidative stress & may develop some risk to biological systems. AIM: The purpose of the study is to provide the short comings of sudarshanakriya yoga practioners& in individuals who do strenious exercise. Materials & Methods: The study comprised of three groups of normal individuals of age group 25-35 years of both the sex. Gp1 –includes 45 individuals who are regular SKY practitioners for more than a year. Gp2-includes 45 individuals exercise regularly for 1 hour in GYM for more than a year. Gp3-includes 45 individuals who do not indulge in any of the above said action. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in MDA levels in individuals who were in practise of SKY & increased in individuals who were in practise of exercise. Whereas blood SOD & GSHpx levels were increased in individuals who were in practise of SKY & decreased in individuals who were in practise of exercise. Discussion: SKY is effective in all the parts of the body and here the practitioner is energized. Since the antioxidant enzymes levels are increased in SKY practitioners, reduce the stress and gives internal stability. Whereas, gym is effective to only specific parts of the body.

Keywords: SudarshanKriya yoga, Melanoldialdehyde, Superoxidedismutase, Glutathioneperoxidase.