Enhancing Autonomic Functions through OM Chanting and Bhramari Pranayama in Post-COVID Medical Students: A Cohort-Based Interventional Study

Abstract

Background:
Post-COVID-19 syndrome is often associated with autonomic dysregulation, reflected in decreased heart rate variability (HRV) and impaired parasympathetic tone. Non-pharmacological interventions such as OM chanting and Bhramari Pranayama have demonstrated potential in enhancing autonomic function by promoting vagal activation and reducing sympathetic overactivity. However, evidence in post-COVID young adult populations, particularly in high-stress academic settings, remains limited.

Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of OM chanting and Bhramari Pranayama on heart rate variability in post-COVID medical students.

• To record HRV using time-domain parameters—SDNN, rMSSD, SDSD, and pNN50 before and after a 30-day supervised intervention.


• To compare pre and post-intervention HRV indices to assess improvements in autonomic balance.

Material and Methods:

A prospective interventional cohort study was conducted at Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Government Medical College and Hospital, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 109 post-COVID medical students (aged 18–25 years) were enrolled. Participants underwent a daily 30-day supervised breathing intervention comprising 10 minutes of OM chanting and 5 minutes of Bhramari Pranayama. HRV was assessed through five-minute ECG recordings before and after the intervention. Time-domain parameters (SDNN, rMSSD, SDSD, pNN50) were calculated manually. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests.

Results:
All HRV parameters showed statistically significant improvement post-intervention. SDNN increased from 32.45 ± 6.17 ms to 37.96 ± 7.12 ms (p < 0.0001), rMSSD from 28.74 ± 5.49 ms to 34.14 ± 5.85 ms (p < 0.0001), SDSD from 25.61 ± 4.97 ms to 30.97 ± 5.45 ms (p < 0.0001), and pNN50 from 5.31 ± 1.72% to 5.81 ± 1.64% (p = 0.029). These findings indicate enhanced parasympathetic modulation and improved autonomic adaptability.

Conclusion:
The study highlights the efficacy of OM chanting and Bhramari Pranayama in enhancing HRV among post-COVID medical students. These techniques offer a simple, cost-effective and accessible approach to autonomic rehabilitation, particularly valuable in rural and high-altitude healthcare settings. Their integration into institutional wellness programs may yield sustained physiological and psychological benefits. Future research should incorporate randomized controlled trials with larger populations, biomarker profiling and neuroimaging to further elucidate underlying mechanisms.