Aim: Occupational hazard of the stress of police duty requires regular rejuvenation of the physical and physiological capacity of the body for handling daily challenges. Hence this pre- and post- intervention effect evaluation was conducted among a cohort of Delhi police personnel to estimate physical and physiological changes with added Yoga during the ongoing fitness schedule for on-duty police personnel. Methods and Material: police personnel n-53, gender male, aged 40-45 years- ranks ASI to Inspector in Indian Police Service participated after written informed consent. They were part of added daily morning 2 hours yoga intervention comprising of Surya Namaskar, Yogasnas of forward bending/stretching, backward bending/Stretching, and twisting followed by breathing exercise- pranayama dhyana, for 15 days. Statistical analysis of data for physical and physiological profiles for lung capacity, oxygen level and body weight were tested for 15 days using standard equipment/ machines/ tools available in the health clinic for police personnel. Readings were recorded in an Excel sheet and analysed using SPSS19 by two- tailed tests for the significance of differences. Results: Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed for chest circumference rising from Mean 92.5 SD ±11.88 cm on the day1 to 93.4cm (SD±11.95) at day15, mean breath holding time raised to 50.3 seconds on day 15 from 45.8 seconds at day1. In Bhramari practice breath increased from 25.1 sec on day 15 to 22.4 seconds on day 1. The mean weight of 75.15kg on Day 1 was reduced to 73.5kg at day15. The mean oxygen level of 9.2 on day 1 rose to 98.1 on day 15. The peak flow rate means- of exhaled breath recorded at 330.7 m/sec on day 1 rose to 367.3 m/sec on day 15. Time trend analysis showed gradual changes improving with time. Conclusion: Increased lung capacity, physical parameters moving towards more fitness and trend analysis showing the positive effect of long-duration sustainable practice on outcomes. Hence the regular practice of yoga as part of the training for highly demanding occupations is recommended.
