Ensaio clínico randomizado de prática regular de exercício físico e yoga/meditação para redução de estresse: implicações sobre o risco cardiovascular e biomarcadores

Abstract

Stress can have harmful implications on several systems, with the cardiovascular and emotional systems being directly affected. Although still under investigation, some interventions have already been proven for its control and reduction, such as regular physical exercise and meditation / yoga. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a regular exercise intervention, as well as a meditation / yoga intervention to reduce stress in university students in the health area. Methodology: Sampling of 58 university students from health courses randomized into three groups: Physical Exercise Group (GEF), Yoga / Meditation Group (GYM) and Control Group (CG). Mental stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Lipp Stress Symptoms Inventory (ISSL) and the serum cortisol. The GEF followed an established exercise protocol for 8 weeks. GYM also held a yoga / meditation program for a period of 8 weeks. Before and after the interventions, blood samples were collected for laboratory exams, vital signs were measured and anthropometric measurements were taken, as well as instruments for measuring mental stress were applied. Results: 58 subjects (50 women) participated in the interventions, with an average age of 23 ± (3.60), all nursing and medical students. ANOVA test with repeated measures for quantitative variables was used and the Wilcoxon test for categorical variables. GYM showed a significant reduction in cortisol (; p <0.001), PSS (p˂0.001) and ISSL in the resistance (p˂0.001) and exhaustion (p˂0.001) phases. There was also a reduction in abdominal circumference (WC) (p50.05) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) with (p˂0.05). The GEF demonstrated a significant reduction in ISSL (resistance and exhaustion) with (p˂0.001) and (p˂0.001), respectively, of PSS (p˂0.05) and without significant changes in serum cortisol levels (p = 0.4 ). There was a significant reduction in BP (p˂0.001), HR with (p˂0.001) and AC with (p˂0.001), total cholesterol (p˂0.05) and triglycerides (p˂0.05). No significant changes were observed in the CG. Conclusion: it is concluded that regular physical31 exercise and yoga / meditation produce beneficial effects on mental stress (PSS, ISSL, and serum cortisol), and the risk factors for CVD.