Prayer-Related Physical Activities for Cardiovascular Health

Abstract

Introduction: Muslims are obligated to pray 5 times daily. Each prayer is a number of rakaa completed with a set of physical movements, preferably in the neighborhood masjid. The vascular effects of religious-related physical activities (RRPA) are not known, despite the well-known cardiovascular benefits of regular physical activity. Therefore, the current study examined the relationships of RRPA with vascular measures. Methodology: Arterial and venous indices at rest and after 5 of arterial occlusion were examined in 192 healthy participants (age: 19-85 years) using strain gauge plethysmography. The participants' RRPA were collected in a 1-to-1 interview, including prayer (PN) and rakaa number (RN) performed, distance (DW) and time (TW) required to walk to the masjid, and the daily (DA) and weekly (WA) attendance to the masjid. Results: Resting blood flow correlated significantly with DW, TW, DA, and WA (r=0.2-0.4; p<0.01). Resting vascular resistance correlated with DW, TW, DA, and WA (r=-0.14-0.2; p<0.05). Resting venous capacitance correlated with DW, TW, DA, and WA (r=0.14-0.17; p<0.05). Resting outflow correlated with DW, TW, DA, and WA (r=0.15-0.2; p<0.05). Occlusion blood flow correlated with DW (r=0.17; p=0.02). Occlusion outflow correlated with DW and DA (r=0.16-0.17; p<0.05). Additionally, arterial and venous indices were greater (p<0.05) in the participants regularly prayed in the masjid. Discussion: The results confirm the importance of physical activities for the circulatory system. Uniquely, the data shows that RRPA might contribute to the maintenance of vascular function.