Impact of yoga and music therapy on C-reactive protein levels in hypertensive middle-aged men: a single-group quasi-experimental study

Ashwinkumar Chandrashekarapuram Swaminathan, Rajkumar Rajamanickam, Anurag Pathak,Vikas Soni, Ibnu Noufal Kambitta Valappil, Kumaran Badri, Debajit Karmakar,Ethiraj Balaji, Robert Çitozi, Vlad Adrian Geantă

Ashwinkumar Chandrashekarapuram Swaminathan et al. – Impact of yoga and music therapy on C-reactive protein levels in hypertensive middle-aged men: a single-group quasi-experimental study –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(1); 349-355

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG007DJX8D

Abstract
Background. Increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular complications in individuals with hypertension. While both yoga and music therapy have demonstrated independent cardiovascular benefits, their combined impact on inflammatory markers remains insufficiently studied.
Objective. This study aimed to assess the effects of a 12-week integrated yoga and music therapy program on inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) and blood pressure in middle-aged men with hypertension.
Methods. A quasi-experimental pre-post design was employed, involving 36 hypertensive men (mean age 42.4 ± 6.41 years) who engaged in a structured yoga and music therapy regimen for 12 weeks. Key outcome measures included variations in inflammatory biomarkers (hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) and blood pressure readings.
Results. The intervention led to significant decreases in inflammatory markers: hs-CRP (−1.50 ± 0.3 mg/L, p < 0.001), IL-6 (−1.56 ± 0.3 pg/mL, p < 0.001), and TNF-α (−4.12 ± 0.65 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Furthermore, notable reductions in blood pressure were observed: systolic (−11.59 ± 1.8 mmHg, p < 0.001) and diastolic (−5.06 ± 1.2 mmHg, p < 0.001). Effect sizes for all measured outcomes were substantial (0.71–0.78).
Conclusion. The findings suggest that a combined yoga and music therapy intervention can significantly lower both inflammatory markers and blood pressure in hypertensive middle-aged men. This holistic approach may serve as a valuable complementary strategy in the management of hypertension and inflammation-related cardiovascular risks.
Key words
yoga therapy, music therapy, hypertension, C-reactive protein, inflammatory markers, blood pressure, middle-aged men, complementary therapy
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Effects of 12 weeks of yoga practice on depression, stress, anxiety, and sleep quality in mothers of adolescents

Trisha Ghosh, Chamundeeswari Duraipandian, Gokila Shanmugavelu, Robert Çitozi, Uma Palanisamy, Manimekalai Narayanan, Velusamy Subbulakshmi, Ibnu Noufal Kambitta Valappil, Farjana Akter Boby, Debajit Karmakar, Bekir Erhan Orhan, Ethiraj Balaji, Vlad Adrian Geantă

 

Trisha Ghosh et al. – Effects of 12 weeks of yoga practice on depression, stress, anxiety, and sleep quality in mothers of adolescents  –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(1); 170-176

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG007D7I6P

Abstract
Background. Maternal mental health is essential for maintaining family stability and promoting adolescent growth. Mothers experience difficulties in combining emotional support with independence, underlining the need for interventions that address their mental well-being.
Research objective. The purpose of this study is to fill a research gap by examining the effects of a long-term yoga intervention on psychological measures and sleep quality in mothers of adolescent children.
Methods. Forty mothers of adolescent children participated in a randomized controlled study that measured their depression, stress, anxiety, and sleep quality both before and after the intervention program.
Results. Based on statistical analysis, an independent t-test showed that no significant differences were observed between the groups in the baseline assessment. A paired t-test showed that the yoga group exhibited significant improvements: depression (p < 0.001) with a 31.06% reduction, stress (p < 0.001) with a 50.63% reduction, anxiety (p < 0.001) with a 17.79% reduction, and sleep quality (p < 0.001) with a 31.32% improvement. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in depression (p = 0.19), stress (p = 0.43), anxiety (p = 0.34), or sleep quality (p = 0.67).
Conclusions. This study concludes that a long-term yoga intervention significantly improves mental health in mothers of adolescents, reducing depression, stress, and anxiety while enhancing sleep quality. This study emphasizes the need to implement targeted mental health programs globally by addressing the complex interaction of emotional health and family dynamics.
Keywords
mental health, psychology, yoga intervention, mother, adolescents
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Does three sessions of 12-week plyometric training per week improve physical fitness parameters in professional male soccer players? A randomized controlled trial

Deepak Siby, Navaraj Chelliah Jesus Rajkumar, Nirmal Michael Salvi, Debajit Karmakar, Ibnu Noufal Kambitta Valappil, Bekir Erhan Orhan, Farjana Akter Boby, Yuni Astuti

Deepak Siby et al. – Does three sessions of 12-week plyometric training per week improve physical fitness parameters in professional male soccer players? A randomized controlled trial –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(1); 84-93

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG007DDZ6Q

Abstract
Background. Plyometric training is recognized for enhancing various physical fitness parameters critical to athletic performance, particularly in soccer players.
Purpose. This study aimed to assess the effects of a 12-week plyometric training program, conducted three times per week, on key fitness parameters in professional male soccer players.
Methods. A total of 40 professional male soccer players were randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n=20) and a plyometric training group (PTG, n=20). Participants (mean height = 176.14±3.28 cm, weight = 68.24±2.17 kg, and age = 20.31±2.30 years) underwent a 12-week plyometric training intervention. Fitness assessments were conducted before and after the intervention, measuring agility (t-test), balance (stork stand test), speed (50 m dash), power (medicine ball throw test), explosive power (vertical jump), leg strength (standing broad jump), and core strength (sit-up test).
Results. Significant improvements (p < 0.001) were observed in the PTG across all fitness parameters compared to the control group, indicating the effectiveness of plyometric training in enhancing physical fitness in soccer players.
Conclusion. The 12-week plyometric training program positively impacted agility, balance, speed, power, explosive power, leg strength, and core strength in professional male soccer players, suggesting it as a valuable regimen for improving overall physical performance.
Key words
plyometric training, physical fitness, agility, balance, speed, power, soccer, strength
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Comparative analysis of selected variables in the haematological profiling of elite medalists, non-medalists, and non-sports individuals

Dilpreet Kaur, Gurcharan Singh Gill, Jyoti Singh, Debajit Karmakar, Masilamani Elayaraja, Yashpal, Sambhu Prasad, Edi Setiawan, Hemantajit Gogoi, Karuppasamy Govindasamy

 

Dilpreet Kaur et al. – Comparative analysis of selected variables in the haematological profiling of elite medalists, non-medalists, and non-sports individuals –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(3); 190-196

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG020AQYC

Abstract:
Background. Elite athletes, who undergo distinctive physiological adaptations due to intense training and competition, present a unique opportunity for understanding the impacts of elite sports engagement on haematological profiles.
Purpose. This study explores haematological variations among three distinct groups: Elite Medalists, Non-Medalists, and Non-Sports Individuals.
Methods. A meticulously selected cohort of 300 athletes, aged 18 to 25, formed the study’s foundation, categorized based on their performance in competitions or non-participation in competitive sports. The investigation assessed average concentrations of key blood parameters, including platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and white blood cells, unveiling a comprehensive view of haematological profiles across these groups.
Results. Statistical analysis, utilizing one-way ANOVA followed by LSD Post Hoc Test, illuminated significant improvements (P < 0.05) in Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, White Blood Cells, Red Blood Cells, Hematocrit, and Platelet counts among the three groups. These findings underscore meaningful distinctions in haematological profiles, emphasizing the potential impact of athletic engagement on blood parameters.
Conclusion. This study offers valuable insights into the haematological variations associated with athletic performance, advocating for tailored health considerations based on athletic engagement.

Keywords:
Haematological profiling, Elite athletes, Comparative analysis, Medalists, Non-Medalists, Non-Sports Individuals

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Effectiveness of High-Intensity Circuit Training on Physical Fitness Among Athletes: A Systematic Review of Randomized-Controlled and Non-Controlled Trials

Mariappan Mahalingam, Samit Saibya, Gayatri Pandey, Debajit Karmakar, Yajuvendra Singh Rajpoot, Masilamani Elayaraja, Sambhu Prasad, Pema Khandu Lachungpa, Karuppasamy Govindasamy, Hemantajit Gogoi

 

Mariappan Mahalingam et al.– Effectiveness of High-Intensity Circuit Training on Physical Fitness Among Athletes: A Systematic Review of Randomized-Controlled and Non-Controlled Trials –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(3); 145-157

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG020AWUR

Abstract:
Background and Aim of the Study: The continuous evolution of sports and athletics necessitates innovative training strategies to optimize athletes’ performance and physical fitness. High-Intensity Circuit Training (HICT) has emerged as a time-efficient method that combines high-intensity exercises with minimal rest, targeting various muscle groups to enhance physical fitness components. Therefore, this systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HICT on physical fitness components among athletes to provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of HICT’s benefits and limitations.
Material and Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was employed, retrieving articles published before September 24, 2023, from databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The selection process followed the PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies that assessed the impact of HICT on athletes’ physical fitness. The quality of included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, and data synthesis was conducted to summarize findings on various physical fitness components.
Results: The review included 13 studies, highlighting HICT’s positive effects on muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, power, body composition, and cardiovascular endurance. Improvements were noted in neuromuscular efficiency, muscle power, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness, which are crucial for athletic performance. However, the review also identified variability in training adaptations and the need for sport-specific exercises to maximize the benefits of HICT for speed and power enhancements.
Conclusions: HICT is a versatile and effective training modality that can significantly improve various aspects of athletes’ physical fitness. Incorporating targeted, sport-specific exercises into HICT programs could further optimize performance enhancements. Despite promising findings, the review acknowledges methodological heterogeneity among studies and calls for further research to refine HICT protocols for athletes.

Keywords:
High-Intensity Circuit Training, Physical Fitness, Athletic Performance, Training Adaptations

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