Effect of yoga training on inflammatory cytokines and C‑reactive protein in employees of small‑scale industries

The present study intends to see the effect of yoga practices on lipid profile, interleukin (IL)‑6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α, and high‑sensitivity‑C‑reactive protein (hs‑CRP) among apparently healthy adults exposed to occupational hazards.

In the present study, 48 participants aged 30–58 years (41.5 ± 5.2) who were exposed to occupational hazards were randomized into two groups, that is, experimental and wait‑list control. All the participants were assessed for lipid profile, IL‑6, TNF‑α, and hs‑CRP at the baseline and after completion of 3 months of yoga training intervention. The experimental group underwent yoga training intervention for 1 h for 6 days a week for 3 months, whereas control group continued with their daily activities except yoga training. Data analysis was done using statistical software SPSS Version 20.0. Data were analyzed using paired t‑tests and independent t‑test.

The results of within group comparison revealed highly significant changes in cholesterol (P < 0.001), high‑density lipoprotein (P < 0.001), low‑density lipoprotein (LDL)(P < 0.01), hs‑CRP (P < 0.01), IL‑6 (P < 0.001), and TNF‑α (P < 0.001) in experimental group. Comparison between experimental and control group revealed significant changes in cholesterol (P < 0.01), LDL (P < 0.05), IL‑6 (P < 0.01), TNF‑α (P < 0.01), and hs‑CRP (P < 0.01).

A yoga‑based lifestyle intervention seems to be a highly promising alternative therapy which favorably alters inflammatory markers and metabolic risk factors.