16 There are a total of 34 prostrations in the usual five daily obligatory prayers, during which each HDCK posture lasts for approximately 10 to 15 seconds. In the unusual or periodic non-obligatory prayers observed during the Ramadan fasting period or Taraweeh and the late night prayer or Tahajjud, Axitinib chemical structure prostration usually lasts for up to 2

minutes or even longer. None of the previous studies has explored cardiovascular #Ku-0059436 keyword# responses during the HDCK posture, assumed during Muslim prayer activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the cardiovascular responses of healthy subjects during prostrations in Muslim prayers. We hypothesized that there would be no significant difference in cardiovascular Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical parameters at rest and during Sujood and that there would be no significant gender difference in cardiovascular parameters at different time points during

Sujood. Methods Participants Seventy healthy young students of the University of Maiduguri and staff of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (35 males and 35 females) participated in the study. Subjects with a known history of chronic headache, glaucoma, hypertension, or other related heart diseases were excluded and informed consent was obtained from the participants before data collection. Instruments The following instruments were used for the collection of data Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical in the study: digital electronic device to monitor blood pressure and pulse rate (Beurer D-89077 Germany), bathroom scale, Standiometer, stop watch, table mat, and data collection instruments such as data forms and pens. The study was conducted at the gymnasium Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical of the Department of Physiotherapy, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Study Procedure A repeated measurement design was utilized for this study. The participants were interviewed for medical history of any cardiovascular ailment,

and those who met the inclusion Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical criteria were given a consent form to sign. A pilot study was carried out prior to the main study, which revealed that the participants started experiencing discomfort at three minutes into Sujood. Batimastat The participants were advised not to eat kola nuts (kola nitida) and avoid drinking caffeine-containing beverages 24 hours before the commencement of the study. All the measurements were taken in the morning because of the hot weather condition during the study period. On arrival at the lab, the participants received explanation about the protocol of the study and their heights and weights were measured using a Standiometer and a bathroom scale, respectively. Afterward, the participants assumed sitting position. Five minutes after the assumption of sitting position, resting period blood pressure and pulse rate were measured. The measurements were repeated at the seventh minute and the average of the two readings was recorded.