Effect of rosary prayer and yoga mantras on autonomic cardiovascular rhythms: comparative study

TLDR

Reduced heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity predict poor cardiac prognosis, while slow breathing improves these parameters by synchronising cardiovascular rhythms. The study tests whether rosary and yoga mantra recitation can synchronise cardiovascular rhythms and enhance baroreflex sensitivity. In 23 healthy adults, the authors compared the effects of reciting the Ave Maria or a yoga mantra during spontaneous and metronome‑controlled breathing on breathing rate, cardiovascular oscillations, blood pressure, and cerebral circulation. Reciting the rosary or yoga mantra at six breaths per minute markedly increased cardiovascular rhythm synchrony, heart rate variability, and baroreflex sensitivity, indicating potential physiological benefits.

Abstract

<h3>Abstract</h3> <b>Objective:</b> To test whether rhythmic formulas such as the rosary and yoga mantras can synchronise and reinforce inherent cardiovascular rhythms and modify baroreflex sensitivity. <b>Design:</b> Comparison of effects of recitation of the Ave Maria (in Latin) or of a mantra, during spontaneous and metronome controlled breathing, on breathing rate and on spontaneous oscillations in RR interval, and on blood pressure and cerebral circulation. <b>Setting:</b> Florence and Pavia, Italy. <b>Participants:</b> 23 healthy adults. <b>Main outcome measures:</b> Breathing rate, regularity of breathing, baroreflex sensitivity, frequency of cardiovascular oscillations. <b>Results:</b> Both prayer and mantra caused striking, powerful, and synchronous increases in existing cardiovascular rhythms when recited six times a minute. Baroreflex sensitivity also increased significantly, from 9.5 (SD 4.6) to 11.5 (4.9) ms/mm Hg, P&lt;0.05. <b>Conclusion:</b> Rhythm formulas that involve breathing at six breaths per minute induce favourable psychological and possibly physiological effects. <h3>What is already known on this topic</h3> Reduced heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity are powerful and independent predictors of poor prognosis in heart disease Slow breathing enhances heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity by synchronising inherent cardiovascular rhythms <h3>What this study adds</h3> Recitation of the rosary, and also of yoga mantras, slowed respiration to almost exactly 6/min, and enhanced heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity The rosary might be viewed as a health practice as well as a religious practice