Background: SCUBA diving subjects the human body to hyperbaric stress, affecting cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Mismanagement of these responses may lead to barotrauma, decompression sickness, and gas toxicity. Shivam Yoga — encompassing Pranayama (breathing exercises), Yoga Nidra (relaxation technique), and Dhyana (meditation) — is hypothesized to mitigate these stresses. Aim: To evaluate the influence of Shivam Yoga practice before diving on heart rate, respiratory rate, and gas consumption in divers with different levels of experience, verifying the improvement in physiological safety. Methods: Two divers participated: Diver #1 (60-year-old experienced NAUI instructor) and Diver #2 (34-year-old novice Open Water diver). Both completed a 31-minute daytime dive at 9.6 m under two conditions: (1) control, without prior intervention; and (2) immediately after 30 minutes of supervised Shivam Yoga practice (Pranayama and Dhyana). Heart rate was assessed via digital pulse oximeter and respiratory rate by counting thoracic excursions over 60 seconds, both pre- and post-dive. Gas consumption was calculated using the Surface Air Consumption (SAC) index. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Universidade Federal de Viçosa (CAAE 56335515.8.0000.5153). Results: Control dives showed increased respiratory rate and a slight, non-significant decrease in heart rate. Following Shivam Yoga, a downward trend in both variables was observed. Notably, despite being 26 years older, Diver #1 consistently presented lower heart and respiratory rates than Diver #2, suggesting experience may counteract age-related physiological demands. Diver #1 also showed significant reduction in gas consumption after Shivam Yoga, whereas Diver #2 showed no significant change. Conclusions: As a pilot study, findings should be interpreted cautiously. Results suggest Shivam Yoga may reduce physiological stress and improve gas efficiency in SCUBA diving, though benefits appear mediated by experience. Experienced divers seem capable of integrating relaxation techniques to optimize air usage, compared to less experienced divers. Larger controlled studies are warranted.
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