Dr M Ramanathan | SRI BALAJI VIDYAPEETH University (original) (raw)

Papers by Dr M Ramanathan

Background: Children with special needs often need extra support to navigate their daily routines... more Background:
Children with special needs often need extra support to navigate their daily routines and educational experiences. Special educators as caregivers play a crucial role in supporting these children at school, helping them with everyday tasks and tailoring instructional methods to meet their unique needs. The additional responsibilities and the expectation to deliver high-quality education contribute to increased stress and anxiety among these educators. Compared to general educators, special educators face a particularly challenging and demanding work environment, which can negatively impact their mental health and, in turn, their physical well-being.
Methods:
This study employed a randomized controlled trial design. A total of 68 special educators affiliated with a special education school in Pondicherry participated, with an average age of 33.71 years (±7.46). Participants were randomly allocated to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group was engaged in a one-hour yoga session twice weekly for 24 weeks. Data collection included four psychological scales administered both at baseline and post-intervention and a general demographic form administered at baseline. Data were analysed using median, interquartile range (IQR), the Mann-Whitney test, and the Wilcoxon test.
Results:
Our findings indicated that most special educators experienced high levels of caregiver burden, sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, stress, and a diminished quality of life, aligning with previous research. Post-test results showed a marked improvement in well-being among the experimental group, with substantial reductions in caregiver burden, sleep issues, and mental health concerns, as well as enhanced life quality, compared to the control group.
Conclusion:
It was concluded that yoga could help to reduce the caregiver burden and stress, enhancing the quality of life among special educators.

Yoga-Mimamsa, 2024

Objective: To develop a generic yoga therapy protocol for nonspecific chronic low back pain (NCLB... more Objective: To develop a generic yoga therapy protocol for nonspecific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) on the basis of previous research studies. Methods: A comprehensive PubMed search was done using keywords of "yoga" and "back pain" for English-language articles published till November 2022. PubMed showed 332 results for the keywords from 1977 to 2022. Twenty-nine studies were found eligible and the consolidation of yogic techniques were used in the studies. The study compiled 72 yogic techniques, including Asana and Pranayama, from 332 articles on yoga and back pain. Out of these, 151 were not relevant to yoga or back pain. After analyzing 181 articles, 33 were selected for review for a yoga therapy protocol, with four excluded due to inability to access full-text articles. The protocol was later validated by 14 eminent yoga therapy experts across the globe from countries including Australia,

Souvenir Souvenir of the 11th International Conference of Kaivalyadhama on Yoga in Cancer Care: Scope, evidence and evolution, 2024

The diagnosis of cancer is extremely traumatic adding to which is its treatment-related toxicity ... more The diagnosis of cancer is extremely traumatic adding to which is its treatment-related toxicity causing psychological distress in patients as well as their entire family. The need of the hour is to embrace adjunctive traditional modalities and interventions that may help reduce treatment related distress and improve quality of life. Yoga is one such mind body intervention that is not only gaining popularity but also an extremely beneficial practice.
Caregiver (CG) is a person who provides care to people who need help in taking care of themselves. CG may be health professionals, family members, friends, social workers or others. They may provide care at home or in a hospital or other health care setting. CGs provide steady emotional support to care seekers when their journey seems bleak and are also conduits between them and medical professionals fostering a collaborative approach.
CGs experience a rollercoaster of emotions as they constantly witness the pain and suffering of their loved ones, suppressing their own agony and struggles leading to emotional exhaustion resulting in chronic stress and burnout. Concept of ‘One Health’ by WHO recognizes the interconnectedness and encompasses a collaborative, multidisciplinary and cross-sectorial approach to ensure overall well-being. In the context of cancer care, this approach involves understanding the symbiotic relationship between patients, CGs and their support systems.
Though the task of caregiving is satisfying, it may lead to a decline in health or affect their personal, employment prospects, finances and social life. Stress, depression, sense of hopelessness and insomnia are some of the more commonly cited issues on CG health. It must be noted that the CG health has a significant impact on care recipients too. Hence our primary focus in this context is on improving the health, wellness and quality of life of CGs.
This is where complementary approaches such as Yoga can contribute as a powerful tool that addresses not only physical but also mental and emotional needs of those who selflessly care for others. Yoga reorients the feeling of caring and adds up meaning and purpose in the lives of CGs.

Effect of adjuvant yoga therapy on stress, anxiety, and depression in participants of an alcohol de- addiction program, 2020

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: pranayama and... more Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: pranayama and cognitive function View project Impact of yoga training on the quality of sleep in young subjects View project

Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology

Suryanamaskar (SN), a yogic technique is composed of dynamic muscular movements synchronised with... more Suryanamaskar (SN), a yogic technique is composed of dynamic muscular movements synchronised with deep rhythmic breathing. As it may have influence on CNS, this study planned to investigate immediate effects of SN on reaction time (RT) and heart rate (HR). 21 female volunteers attending yoga classes were recruited for study group and 19 female volunteers not participating in yoga were recruited as external-controls. HR, auditory reaction time (ART) and visual reaction time (VRT) were recorded before and after three rounds of SN in study group as well as 5 minutes of quiet sitting in both groups. Performance of SN produced immediate decrease in both VRT and ART (P < 0.001). This was significant when compared to self-control period (P < 0.001) and compared to external-control group, it decreased significantly in ART (p = 0.02). This was pronounced when delta% was compared between groups (P < 0.001). HR increased significantly following SN compared with both self-control (p = ...

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care

Introduction: Aging is becoming a major challenge for policymakers. Regular exercise helps keep e... more Introduction: Aging is becoming a major challenge for policymakers. Regular exercise helps keep elderly people mobile, enhances physical and mental abilities, and to some extent delays the effects of chronic illnesses. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal intervention to increase physical activity levels among sedentary elderly living in socially and economically constrained settings. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in selected old age homes in Puducherry, South India in 2022 for 3 months. Individuals aged ≥60 years, both genders residing in selected old-age homes were included through convenience sampling. The sample size was 36 subjects per arm [three arms namely E1, E2 (intervention arms), and C (control arm)]. Baseline data collection on physical activity was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire in all three arms. The intervention arms (E1 and E2) received a multimodal intervention to promote physical activity. In a...

Journal of Health Sciences, Mar 13, 2023

Introduction: The morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) strategy for elimination ... more Introduction: The morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) strategy for elimination of lymphatic filariasis (ELF) focuses on alleviating the sufferings of about 36 million filariasis patients living in 49 endemic countries. At present, available quality of life questionnaires are not adequate to address the stigma and stress of filarial lymphoedema (FLE) patients. Therefore, a comprehensive and a robust stigma and stress assessment tool needs to be developed. Methods: We developed 49 item SARI-FLE-Version-2 questionnaire for stigma assessment and 20 item PSS-FLE-Version-2 questionnaire for stress assessment and tested it among different grades of FLE patients. We followed the Likert scale scoring system and conducted a statistical analysis using SPSS IBM version 25.0. Results: Of the 80 lymphatic filariasis (LF) patients assessed, 35.0%, 42.5%, and 22.5% had grades 2, 3, and 4 LE of the lower extremity, respectively. The developed stigma tool had an excellent internal consistency, as indicated by high Cronbach alpha values for all six domains. There was a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between different stigma domains. In three domains (cognitive function, social stigma, and experienced stigma), the mean stigma scores were significantly higher for the grade 4 patients compared to grade 2 patients (p < 0.02). Conclusion: Stigma and stress assessment tools in the form of 49 item SARI-FLE-Version-2 and 20 item PSS-FLE-Version-2 questionnaires are reliable in quantifying the stigma and stress of LF patients. There is a scope to incorporate these tools in the MMDP component of the national ELF program in disease-endemic countries with finer modifications to the local situation.

Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011

A simple, rapid, accurate and reliable HPLC method for the determination of rosmarinic acid (RA) ... more A simple, rapid, accurate and reliable HPLC method for the determination of rosmarinic acid (RA) and ursolic acid (UA) in the leaves of ethanol extract of Ocimum sanctum (EEOS) has been developed for the first time and validated. Several biological activities of EEOS have been attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds and terpenes in the crude extract. The separation system consisted of a Phenomenex C 18 reversed-phase column, using phosphate buffer / acetonitrile (80:20) and acetonitrile / water / methanol (90:5:5) as mobile phase for the determination of RA and UA respectively. The flow rate was 1.0 ml min −1 and detection wavelength was set at 326 and 261 nm for RA and UA respectively. The recovery of the method was in the range of 93.85 to 95.77 % for RA and 92.76 to 97.40 % for UA, and all the compounds showed good linearity in a relatively wide concentration range. Using the optimized conditions, the quantity of RA and UA in EEOS was found to be 0.26 ± 0.01% and 0.40 ± 0.01% w/w, respectively. The method is simple, sensitive, reproducible and ideally suited for rapid routine analysis.

Educational Administration: Theory and Practice , 2024

The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of hatha yoga combined with mantra chantin... more The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of hatha yoga combined with mantra chanting on asthmatic adolescent boys. Aged 13 to 19, were chosen as subjects. Prior to collecting any data, all participants will be notified about the purpose and design of the study, and their written consent will be collected. A statistical analysis yields a total sample size of 60. There were two groups of the sixty subjects: study and non-study group. There are 30 subjects in each group. The experimental group practiced Hatha yoga and chanting mantras, while the control group received no special instruction for the 16 weeks. Both pre-and post-tests were administered. Statistical analysis of data using student's paired and unpaired t test. The results showed significant increase in BHT and PAQLQ in Study group compared with nonstudy group.

Educational Administration: Theory And Practice , 2024

Background: Underactive thyroid discrepancy in females with hypothyroidism causes increase in cho... more Background: Underactive thyroid discrepancy in females with hypothyroidism causes increase in cholesterol levels, weight, blood pressure, cardiovascular complications, imbalanced heart rate and depression. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in India is 11%, compared with only 2% in the UK and 4•6% in the USA (Bagcchi S., 2014). The highest prevalence of hypothyroidism (13•1%) is noted in middle aged women between 35 and 60 years of age (Unnikrishnan A et.al, 2011). Mind-Body Intervention is proven to be effective approach in reducing weight, dyslipidaemia, depression, cardiovascular and respiratory issues and balancing the autonomic nervous system. This Human Ethical Committee approved study used the yoga and ayurvedic diet as a mind body intervention, to treat hypothyroidism in females. Aim & Objective: To evaluate the impact of Mind-Body Intervention on Waist Circumference (WC) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) on females with Hypothyroidism. Methods: 20 females diagnosed with hypothyroidism were recruited for the investigation and randomly divided into group I (Mind-Body Intervention) and group II (control group-no training) for 12-weeks intervention period. Baseline reports were collected before and after the intervention for both groups on Waist Circumference and Low-Density Lipoprotein Statistical tool: Paired T-test was performed to find the differences within and between the groups respectively. Test of significance was fixed at 0.001 level of confidence. Results: It was proven that there is a significant decrease in WC (80.06 ± 3.307, P<0.045) & LDL (106.40 ± 6.670, P<0.101) in group I as compared to the group II were there was no significant difference in WC (87.30 ± 3.945, P < 0.000) & LDL (147 ± 6.182, P < 0,001) after twelve weeks of intervention using paired ttest. Group I show a significant improvement on group comparison WC (7.400 ± 2.836, P < 0.000) & LDL (47.300 ± 6.019, P < 0.000). Conclusion: It is concluded Mind-Body Intervention helps in decreasing WC & LDL in females with hypothyroidism. Hence, mind-body approach can be a cost-effective treatment in improving physical health in hypothyroidism.

Educational Administration: Theory And Practice

This study was find about investigation on the changes on peak flow expiratory rate and breath ho... more This study was find about investigation on the changes on peak flow expiratory rate and breath holding due to yogic practices among asthmatic adolescent boys. To achieve the purpose of the study, 60 asthmatic adolescent boys only from Chennai, aged between 13 and 19 years, were selected. The selected sixty subjects were randomly divided into two equal groups of fifteen subjects each, out of which group-I (n = 30) underwent yogic practices pack programme and group-II remained as control. The training period for the present study was six days per week for twelve weeks. Prior to and after the training period the subjects were tested for peak flow expiratory rate and breath holding. The statistical tool were used for the present study is 't' test RMANOVA. The result of the study was significant improvement on peak flow expiratory rate and breath holding after twelve weeks of yogic practices programme. However the improvement was favour of experimental group. There was a significant difference was occurred between yogic practices group and control group after twelve weeks of yogic practices pack programme.

Educational Administration: Theory And Practice 1. , 2024

Educational Administration: Theory And Practice, 2024

International Journal of Yoga, 2019

Context: Recent studies provide ample evidence of the benefits of yoga in various chronic disorde... more Context: Recent studies provide ample evidence of the benefits of yoga in various chronic disorders. Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and Sandler coined the term “Diabetic Lung” for the abnormal pulmonary function detected in diabetic patients due underlying pulmonary dysfunction. Yoga therapy may help in achieving better pulmonary function along with enhanced glycaemic control and overall health benefits. Aim: To study the effect of adjuvant yoga therapy in diabetic lung through spirometry. Settings and Design: Randomized control trial was made as interdisciplinary collaborative work between departments of Yoga Therapy, Pulmonary Medicine and Endocrinology, of MGMC & RI, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth Puducherry. Materials and Methods: 72 patients of diabetic lung as confirmed by spirometry (<70% of expected) were randomized into control group (n=36) who received only standard medical treatment and yoga group (n=36) who received yoga training thrice weekly for 4 months along with standard medical management. Yoga therapy protocol included yogic counseling, preparatory practices, Asanas or static postures, Pranayama or breathing techniques and relaxation techniques. Hathenas of the Gitananda Yoga tradition were the main practices used. Spirometry was done at the end of the study period. Data was analyzed by Student's paired and unpaired 't' test as it passed normality. Results: There was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduction in weight, and BMI along with a significant (P < 0.01) improvement in pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC) in yoga group as compared to control group where parameters worsened over study period. Conclusion: It is concluded from the present RCT that yoga has a definite role as an adjuvant therapy as it enhances standard medical care and hence is even more significant in routine clinical management of diabetes, improving physical condition and pulmonary function.

Yoga Mimamsa, 2023

The aim is to evaluate the quantification of the therapeutic effect of yoga in children with auti... more The aim is to evaluate the quantification of the therapeutic effect of yoga in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Design: The study design involves randomized controlled trial. Setting: The study was conducted in Satya Special School, Puducherry. Patients: Data on 18 children with ASD were collected after 6 months of yoga therapy intervention. Methods: Collection of the data necessary to develop a therapeutic effect scoring system in yoga for autism spectrum disorder (TESS-YFA) which is the average of the first three times of practice for each yoga technique given in the yoga therapy protocol after completion of yoga intervention. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation and the data were normally distributed. Measurements and Results: The overall mean therapeutic effect scoring system (TESS) (5)-YFA was significantly lower than the mean TESS (4)-YFA. Thus, both systems showed highly significant mean differences (p < 0.001). TESS (4)-YFA was 25% higher than TESS (5)-YFA with the same coefficient of variation (34.3%). The relationship between the two systems was TESS (4)-YFA = 19.93 + 4.98 TESS (5)-YFA. Conclusion: TESS (4)-YFA was validated and showed a higher therapeutic effect in the scoring system with the same coefficient of variation. Thus, the results indicate that TESS (4)-YFA can replace TESS (5)-YFA for the measurement of the therapeutic effect of yoga in children with ASD.

Stress is an inevitable part of modern day lifestyle and this has been implicated in various medi... more Stress is an inevitable part of modern day lifestyle and this has been implicated in various medical disorders including psychosomatic, cardiovascular, psychiatric, and neurological conditions. All these non-communicable disorders (NCD) are constantly on an upscale (CVD is the most common cause of mortality and disability, WHO 2011) after the effective control of communicable disorders with antibiotics and hygiene practices. The increasing stress could be attributed to “competitive” modern day life, the perception of this stress and its subsequent biological effects on various systems and this has been investigated ever since the days of Cannon. He provided the classic 3 F’s response to stress in terms of fright (having fear and other emotions to decide on subsequent course of action) which would be either flight (moving away from the threat) or fight (face the threat) and face that challenge effectively. Thus stress could be any challenge to well-being or homeostasis of the system which the individual would face or run away based on the level of threat and his ability to face the challenge effectively that would lead to the consequences of stress.

International Journal of Yoga, 2022

Introduction: Maternal stress responses play an important role in the etiology of fetal and mater... more Introduction: Maternal stress responses play an important role in the etiology of fetal and maternal disorders other than biomedical risks. The surge of emergency evidence that yoga as adjuvant therapy can have significant beneficial effects in the prenatal period and in the fetus. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of Pranava Pranayama on maternal and fetal cardiovascular parameters. Materials and Methods: Three-way cross-over study was done on 3 consecutive days in 60 pregnant women (3rd trimester) with 10 min of breath awareness, listening to OM, and performing Pranava Pranayama. Maternal heart rate (MHR) and systolic and diastolic pressures were measured before and after each session, and cardiovascular indices were derived with formulae. Fetal heart rate (FHR) was obtained from nonstress test tracing. Data were assessed using GraphPad InStat version 3.06. Student's t-test was used for intragroup comparisons while repeated measured ANOVA with Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison tests were done for intergroup comparison. Results: Significant changes (P < 0.001) were found in MHR and FHR immediately after all three interventions. Delta% changes showed the greatest fall in MHR (P = 0.03) after Pranava as compared to the other two while in FHR, both OM group and Pranava were significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: There were significant changes found in MHR, FHR, and cardiovascular responses rate-pressure product and double product after a single session of intervention. Yogic breathing techniques Pranava may enhance cardiovascular hemodynamics of the maternal–fetal unit. Reduction in maternal and fetal cardiovascular parameters attributed to reduced sympathetic activity coupled with enhanced vagal parasympathetic tone. Such changes in cardiac autonomic status may enhance placental circulation and lead to healthier fetal development.