Dr Luciano Bernardi

Luciano Bernardi, MD, is a professor of Internal Medicine at Policlinico S.Matteo, Pavia, Italy, and teaches Sports Medicine at the Faculty of Physical Education at the University of Pavia. His main research interests focus on the integrated control mechanisms of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. In this context he has done extensive research work on the physiological effects and clinical applications of Yoga in relevant diseases like heart failure, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and diabetes. He also studied the effects of special respiratory adaptations during exposure to high altitude hypoxia, taking part or leading seven high altitude stages, in the Himalayas and in the Andes, and during simulated experiments in hypobaric chambers. He also studied the cardio-respiratory effects of listening to music, praying and chanting. His work is published in more than 180 research articles appearing in peer-review journals. He practices yoga and he is an amateur luthier.