Pranayama Group Research Articles

Impact of Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama on Apnea Hypopnea Index, Respiratory Distress Index, and Oxygen Desaturation Index Among Adolescents With Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

Background Sleep apnea syndrome has gained significant recognition over the last decade as a potential cause of substantial childhood morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), Respiratory Distress Index (RDI), and Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) among adolescents with sleep apnea syndrome. Objectives The objective of this study is to compare the impact of Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama with routine treatment modalities on the AHI, RDI, and ODIamong adolescents with sleep apnea syndrome. Specifically, the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama in improving AHI, RDI, and ODIin this population. Methods This study was an interventional case-control studyand enrolled 34 adolescents aged 10 to 18 years who were diagnosed with sleep apnea syndrome. The participants were divided into two groups: the Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama group (n=17) and the control group (n=17). Baseline assessments included the collection of demographic information, medical history, and polysomnography results to determine the AHI, RDI, and ODI. Follow-up assessments were conducted post-intervention to measure changes in the AHI, RDI, and ODI. Results There were no significant differences between groups in terms of age (p = 0.176) or gender distribution (p = 0.300). After the intervention period, participants in the Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama group showed significant improvements in the Apnea Hypopnea Indexcompared to the standard care group (p = 0.007). However, there were no significant differences in the Respiratory Distress Index (p = 0.547) or Oxygen Desaturation Index (p = 0.304) between the groups post-intervention. Subgroup analysis based on severity categories (Mild, Normal) for the Apnea Hypopnea Index showed a significant difference between the Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama and standard care groups (p = 0.037). However, there were no significant differences in the Respiratory Distress Index (p = 0.300) and Oxygen Desaturation Index (p = 0.169) between the groups in this subgroup. Conclusion These findings suggest that Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama may improve the Apnea Hypopnea Index in adolescents with sleep apnea, particularly in those with mild symptoms, but did not significantly affect the Respiratory Distress Index or Oxygen Desaturation Index.

Impact of sheetali pranayama with kumbhaka on blood pressure and cerebrovascular hemodynamics in patients with hypertension: A pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHypertension is associated with sympathetic dominance and altered cerebrovascular structure, which in turn reduces cerebral blood flow. Literature suggests Sheetali pranayama reduces blood pressure and Kumbhaka (breath retention) increases cerebral blood flow. However, no studies reported effect of Sheetali with Kumbhaka on blood pressure and cerebrovascular hemodynamics. Thus, the objective of this study was to find the impact of Sheetali pranayama with Kumbhaka on blood pressure and cerebrovascular hemodynamics in patients with hypertension. Materials and methodsTwenty-four patients with hypertension aged 30–65 years were randomly allocated into pranayama group and control group. The pranayama group underwent Sheetali pranayama with Kumbhaka (with the ratio of 1:2:2; Inhalation; Kumbhaka: Exhalation respectively), whereas the control group underwent breath awareness for 10 minutes. Blood pressure and cerebrovascular hemodynamic were assessed before and after each intervention. ResultsResults showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=0.049) in the pranayama group compared to control group. Likewise, within-group analysis showed a significant reduction in SBP (p = 0.002) and DBP (p = 0.007) in pranayama group; a significant reduction in SBP (p = 0.020) in control group; and no significant changes in rest of the variables in the post-test assessments compared to its respective pre-test assessments. ConclusionTen minutes of Sheetali pranayama with Kumbhaka reduces blood pressure compared to breath awareness, without affecting the cerebrovascular hemodynamics in patients with hypertension.

Physiological effect of Bhastrika Pranayama on Cardio-Pulmonary variables among healthy individuals - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background And Objectives: Bhastrika Pranayama boosts airflow into the body, which produces heat both physically and subtly, igniting both the body's and mind's internal fires. This fast-breathing Pranayama increases energy, cleanses and regenerates the lungs, tones the diaphragm, heart, and abdominal muscles, improves circulation. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the physiological impact of Bhastrika Pranayama on healthy individuals using cardio-pulmonary variables. Materials and Methods: 110 healthy male and female participants between the ages of 18 and 25 were enrolled, and they were randomly divided into a control group and a Pranayama group. The parameters SpO2, SBP, DBP, HR, RR, and PEFR were noted for pre and post values for both groups were recorded. The parameters were measured using a peak flow metre, cardiac monitor, and pulse oximeter. The Pranayama group received Bhastrika Pranayama for 4 weeks whereas the control group received no intervention. Result: The Pranayama group showed a significant improvement in SpO2 (p≤0.05), RR (p≤0.05) and PEFR (p≤0.05) and a small reduction in SBP, DBP and HR. Whereas, no significant changes were observed in the control group. Discussion: Following 4-week of Bhastrika Pranayama shows improvement in PEFR, RR, and SpO2 while lowers HR, SBP, and DBP somewhat. The benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama in healthy people in terms of fitness-related health conditions, both in the short and long term, may also be revealed by future research.

Effect of Yogasana and Pranayama on cardiopulmonary functions on sawmill, sugar cane and bidi workers in the rural sector

Background The rural sector is an essential component of the country’s economy, and the economy is based on the large number of workers involved in various activities such as agriculture, forestry, and small and large-scale industries. People work in different industries like sawmills, sugarcane and Bidi factories for their livelihoods. These workers, among other factory workers, are frequently exposed to hazardous working conditions that can have a negative impact on their health. These workers are at high risk of developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases due to prolonged exposure to dust, smoke and other harmful substances. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of yoga and pranayama on cardiopulmonary function in the sawmill, sugar cane and Bidi workers in the rural sectors. Methods 348 workers will be randomly assigned to the Yogasana and Pranayama group or the control group. The intervention of the Yogasana and Pranayama group will be planned for a 20-week program, while the control group will be continuing their as-usual activities. Cardiopulmonary function will be assessed for baseline parameters, and after the intervention has been completed similar parameters will be recorded. Conclusions It could be concluded that the Yogasana and Pranayama may be effective for improving the cardiopulmonary function in sawmill, sugar cane, and Bidi workers in rural sectors. Registration CTRI/2023/07/055733.

The Effect of Pranayama Applied to Hemodialysis Patients on Fatigue: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The present study was conducted to examine the effects of Pranayama applied to hemodialysis patients on fatigue. The study was completed with 91 patients, including Pranayama (n = 30), Relaxation (n = 30), and Control groups (n = 31). The patients in the Pranayama group applied the interventions 15 to 20 minutes every day, once a day, for a total of 3 months, and the patients in the relaxation practice group applied the interventions 15 to 20 minutes every day, once a day, for a total of 3 months. Before the study commenced, permission was obtained from health care institutions, the ethics committee, and the patients. The data were collected with a Questionnaire, Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), visual analog scale, and Vital Findings Form. Piper Fatigue Scale consists of 4 subdimensions, the total score obtained from the scale varies between 0 and 10, and as the score increases, the level of fatigue also increases. It was found that the patients in the Pranayama Group had decreased PFS total and subdimension mean scores after the procedure (P < .05); however, no significant changes were detected in the PFS total and subdimension mean scores of the patients in the Relaxation and Control groups (P > .05). Although the decrease in the daily fatigue severity of the patients in the Pranayama group was at a statistically significant level (P < .05), no statistically significant changes were detected in the fatigue severity of the patients in the Relaxation and Control groups (P > .05). It was also found that the blood pressure values of the patients in the Pranayama and Relaxation groups decreased (P < .05). It was found in the present study that Pranayama reduced the fatigue levels of hemodialysis patients. In this respect, it is recommended to teach and apply Pranayama techniques to patients with the support of nurses.

PS-BPC09-2: EFFECTIVENESS OF OROPHARYNGEAL EXERCISES AND PRANAYAMA ON BLOOD PRESSURE, AND QUALITY OF SLEEP AMONG HYPERTENSIVE WITH MODERATE OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA.

Introduction and Objectives: Burden of cardiovascular disease around the global is a major health concern and prevalence is high in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Lowering blood pressure (BP) can greatly reduce cardiovascular disease risk and lifestyle modification including regular physical activity is routinely prescribed to achieve this goal. The relationship between sleep disordered breathing especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypertension has been well investigated in both cross sectional and longitudinal studies. Many people with OSA suffer from severe fatigue and daytime sleepiness with poor exercise intolerance due to poor sleep quality and nocturnal hypoxemia. The objectives of this study was To evaluate the efficacy of a 6 week oropharyngeal exercises and Pranayama training program for reducing blood pressure and improving sleep quality in hypertensive patients with OSA . Design and method: This is a single site double blind randomized clinical trial. Total 40 patients with history of hypertension and moderate sleep apnea were selected that further divided into two groups oropharyngeal exercises and Pranayama group and control group. Patients were evaluated at study entry and at end by evaluating blood pressure pulse rate anthropometric measurements snoring frequency (range 0 to 4) and Pittsburgh sleep quality (0 to 21) questionnaires. After initial evaluation oropharyngeal exercises and Pranayama along with regular brisk walking for 30 to 40 mins 5 days in week is prescribed to experimental group. Pranayama consists of three phases: Puraka (inhalation) kumbhaka (retention) and rechaka (exhalation) that can be either fast or slow. Oropharyngeal exercises refers to 12 exercises of the 20 minutes duration involving tongue (4 exercises) soft palate (2 exercises) jaw (2 exercises) and lateral pharyngeal wall (4 exercises) to be performed twice a day for 6 weeks. The exercises were taught individually and were supplemented with a pamphlet for reinforcement. And only regular brisk walking for 30 to 40 mins 5 days in week is prescribed to control group. Results: Experimental group significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased systolic &amp; diastolic blood pressure snoring neck circumference and improved sleep quality. Heart rate changes were insignificant (p = 0.9). Conclusions: Oropharyngeal exercises and Pranayama are effective in reducing blood pressure and snoring in hypertensive patients with moderate OSA. Its also effective in improving in quality of sleep in these patients.

Effect of Pranayama as Adjuvant to Medical Treatment on Severity, Frequency, and Duration of Headache in Migraine Patients: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial.

Migraine is the second leading cause of disability worldwide with high rates of dissatisfaction for allopathic treatment among patients. Pranayama is an easy, convenient, and cost-effective method that can supplement existing standard medical treatment of migraine. To study the effect of pranayama as an adjuvant to standard medical treatment of migraine on clinical outcome variables of migraine. This was a randomized controlled trial conducted on 80 consecutive migraine patients who were diagnosed as per International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 (ICHD-3) criteria and were randomly allocated into two groups, that is, standard medical treatment (SMT) group and standard medical treatment plus pranayama (SMT + P) group. The effect of pranayama on clinical outcome variables of migraine was evaluated by using standardized questionnaires. The data was statistically analyzed using SPSS Statistics 20 software. A P value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Intragroup analysis showed all clinical outcome variables of migraine reduced significantly in the SMT + P group whereas all clinical outcome variables of migraine except the duration of headache episodes reduced significantly in the SMT group. Although statistically non-significant, intergroup analysis demonstrates that reduction in headache severity, duration of headache episodes, and headache impact test-6 (HIT-6) score was more in the SMT + P group whereas reduction in headache frequency and migraine disability assessment (MIDAS) score was more in the SMT group. Pranayama supplements the standard medical treatment of migraine by reducing the duration of headache episodes in addition to the reduction in headache severity, headache frequency, HIT-6 scores, and MIDAS scores.

Effect of Slow Pranayama on Heart Rate Variability in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia

Background and Aim: Hypertension is one of the common medical problems encountered in 10% of all pregnancies. Pre-eclampsia (PE), a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy has adverse pregnancy and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. Though anti-hypertensive drugs are used in the management of pregnancy induced hypertension, termination of pregnancy alone offers complete cure. Hence optimizing the health care for pregnant women is an important step to achieve sustainable development objectives, prevention and treatment of hypertensive disorders. While studies have shown the beneficial effects of yoga on high-risk pregnancies, this randomized control trial investigated the effect of slow pranayamas on heart rate variability and CV risks in pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia. Methods: A total of 101 pregnant women who were diagnosed with pre-eclampsia were recruited from Women and Children Hospital, JIPMER and were randomized into yoga and control groups. The yoga group (n=48) received standard anti-hypertensive medication along with slow pranayamas, 2 times a day for 4 weeks between 20-34 weeks of gestation. The control group (n=53) received only standard anti-hypertensive medications during the same period. Heart rate, blood pressure and heart rate variability were assessed before and after 4 weeks. Results: Significant decrease in heart rate and blood pressure was seen in in pranayama group compared to control group. Also, LFnu and LF-HF ratio decreased significantly and HFnu increased significantly in pranayama group compared to control group. Conclusion: Four-week practice of slow pranayamas significantly improved the parasympathetic activity and decreased the sympathetic activity and reduced CV risks in preeclamptic pregnant women.

A comparative study of effects of pranayama and aerobic exercise on spirometric indices in the age group of 30–50 years

Background: Increasing awareness to lifestyle disease has led to more participation of people in taking up various forms of exercise to avail more health benefits. The ability to perform physical exercise is related to cardiovascular systems capacity to supply oxygen to muscles and pulmonary systems ability to clear carbon di oxide from blood via lungs. Spirometry is a physiological test that measures the volume and flow of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. Aim and Objectives: The purpose of this study is not only to assess the beneficial effects of pranayama and aerobic exercises but to compare the improvements in the lung functions among these two modalities of exercises. Materials and Methods: It is a non-randomized cross-sectional comparative study. Total 150 participants of both sexes aged 30–50 years were selected and divided equally into three groups: Pranayama group, aerobic exercise group, and control group who were doing pranayama and aerobic exercise and no exercise respectively from the past 3 months were included in the study. The participants were assessed by their anthropometric parameters, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Results: Among Pranayama groups, there was significantly higher level of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, and PEFR as compared to aerobic exercise group and control group. Conclusion: Both pranayama and aerobic exercise play an important role in improving the pulmonary functions but effects were more pronounced with pranayama.

Effectiveness of Buteyko Breathing Technique versus Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama to Improve Pulmonary Function in Subjects with Bronchial Asthma

Background: Asthma is a chronic life-threatening disease as the airways in the lungs often swollen or inflamed, which makes the airways very sensitive. So, the exposure to the environment in day-to-day life triggers asthma. Asthma can affect at any age group. This study mainly focuses on comparing the effects of Buteyko breathing technique and Pranayama on improving Pulmonary Function in subjects with Bronchial Asthma. Method: Total of 79subjects selected, out of those 66 subjects were included after obtaining the consent document. Subjects are divided into two groups by lottery method, in which 6 subjects dropped. So, the study was completed with 60 subjects. Both groups performed intervention for 1 hour a day 5 days week for 4 weeks. The outcomes of the study were FEV1, FVC &amp; FEV1/FVC ratio. Results: Paired t test was used to assess statically significance between pre and post test scores with in the groups, independent t test was used to access statistical significance of post-test mean score between the groups, statistical analysis of the data revealed that Buteyko Breathing technique group has more difference when compare to Pranayama group. Conclusion: The results had shown that both Group-A (Buteyko Breathing Group) and Group-B (Pranayama Group) has improved significantly on pre and post-test values within the groups but when compared between the groups statistical significance is noted in Group-A. So, this study concludes that Group-A showed significant improvement on Pulmonary Function in subjects with Bronchial Asthma. Keywords: Buteyko Breathing technique, Nadishuddhi Pranayama, FEV1/FVC, Bronchial Asthma.

Immediate effects of the practise of Sheethali pranayama on heart rate and blood pressure parameters in healthy volunteers.

Sheetali pranayama, a cooling pranayama is best known for its calming and relaxing nature, widely used for many conditions like depression, anxiety and hypertension. The aim of the study was to evaluate the immediate effect of the practice of Sheetali pranayama on heart rate and blood pressure parameters in healthy volunteers. Apparently, 60 healthy volunteers were involved, from both sexes. They were split into pranayama (n=30) and control (n=30) groups at random. Sheetali pranayama was performed for 5min (5 cycles) in the pranayama group and normal breathing (12-16 breaths/min) was permitted in the control group. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded with RMS polyrite in the supine position after 5min of rest. The HR in the pranayama group significantly decreased (p=0.04). Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood (DBP) pressure, pulse pressure (PP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased significantly (p<0.05) relative to control after pranayama practice. Pre-Post inter-group results has also shown that the pranayama group has substantially decreased HR and BP indices. Present study shows that the practice of Sheetlai pranayama creates a relaxed state, and parasympathetic activity overrides sympathetic activity in this state. It indicates that in healthy volunteers, pranayama strengthens the resting cardiovascular parameters.

Comparison between the effect of different pranayama through telerehabilitation on stress and quality of life in healthy individuals during covid- 19 pandemic

The study aimed to compare the effect of different pranayama through telerehabilitation on stress and quality of life in healthy individual during COVID-19 pandemic.140 participants (aged between18-30 years) were included in the study based on inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A was anulom vilom pranayama group and group B was bhramari pranayama group. Both the groups received intervention through telerehabilitation daily for 4 weeks. The outcome measures were perceived stress scale (PSS-10) and SF-12. The mean difference of pre and post scores of quality of life measured using SF-12 were significant within group A and group B (paired t-test). Both the PCS and MCS scores showed significant results. The comparison of the two groups revealed non- significant improvements in terms of stress and quality of life in group A and group B. The study found that pranayama when practiced consistently showed improvement in physical as well as mental components of SF-12. The overall stress component showed improvement individually as compared to overall score. Thus telerehabilitation also proved to be significant in terms of quality of life.

English

BACKGROUND Incidence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is increasing day by day. Cardiac rehabilitation is an important aspect of management of Coronary Artery Disease. Anuloma Viloma Pranayama is beneficial to cardiac patients as it increases parasympathetic activity and lowers blood pressure and respiratory rate. This study was designed to assess the benefit of Anuloma Viloma Pranayama as rehabilitation therapy in post Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery patients. Parameters of pulmonary function test (PFT) were measured before and after 3 months of performing CABG. METHODS The study was carried out in the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, CARE Hospital, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with Department of Psychology and Parapsychology and yoga village of Andhra University. CAD patients admitted to the hospital for CABG procedure were included in the study. Thirty patients were selected for performing pranayama (cases) and 30 patients were taken as controls. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee of Care Hospital, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Patients who were admitted for CABG were advised to practice pranayama for 3 months along with normal rehabilitative steps from 3rd postoperative day. Pulmonary function test was measured by spirometry. Parameters like Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), FEV1 : FVC ratio, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) were measured. A comparison of pulmonary parameters was done between groups and statistically analysed using SPSS 20 software. P Valve &lt; 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS Results of the study were analysed and compared between cases and controls. All the parameters of PFT improved significantly in pranayama group 3 months after CABG when compared with their preoperative values. There was also statistically significant improvement of all PFT parameters when compared between pranayama group (cases) and the control group. CONCLUSIONS Anuloma Viloma Pranayama is beneficial to postoperative CABG patients. It helps in reducing air way inflammation, air way collapse, and increases chest expansion, air way oxygenation along with improvement of pulmonary function tests. KEYWORDS Anuloma Viloma Pranayama, PFT, CABG

Impact of 12 Weeks Practice of Chandranadi Pranayama on Cardiac Autonomic Functions, Perceived Stress Score and Biochemical Parameters in Pre-hypertensive Young Adult Males- A Pilot Study

Background and Aim: Prehypertensive subjects pose significant future cardiovascular (CV) risk and lifestyle modification is considered as the first line of intervention for them. Few scientific trials revealed that regular composite yoga practices restore hemodynamic stability and reduces the CV risk in various diseases. However, there is a dearth of data on single yoga practice on cardiovascular health. Hence this study was undertaken to assess the impact of single slow pranayama (Chandranadi pranayama) practice for 12 weeks on cardiac autonomic functions, perceived stress score (PSS) and serum nitric oxide. Methods: The outcome parameters were recorded in thirty male prehypertensive subjects in the age group of 18 to 40 years at baseline and after intervention. They were divided into two groups, designated as control and pranayama group with fifteen subjects in each group. Pranayama group was given 27 rounds of chandranadi pranayama practice, an exclusive left nostril breathing followed by relaxation in shavasana for 10 min. The intervention was given for a period of twelve weeks. The parameters recorded were HR, BP, short-term heart rate variability (HRV), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), PSS and the cardiac autonomic reactivity tests which included heart rate response to standing (30:15 ratio), heart rate response to deep breathing (E:I ratio) and isometric handgrip test (ΔDBDisg). Further, 3ml of venous blood was collected for serum nitric oxide and uric acid assay. Results: A significant decrease in PSS, HR, SBP, DBP and LF/HF ratio of frequency domain indices of HRV and a significant increase in BRS, 30:15 ratio, E:I ratio and serum nitric oxide was noted in pranayama group at 12 weeks, when compared with their baseline data. No significant changes were observed in control group at 0 and 12 weeks. Conclusion: In our study, 12 weeks of exclusive left nostril breathing practice found to normalize BP and HR, improved BRS, restored sympathovagal balance and reduced perceived stress in prehypertensive subjects, which signifies decreased CV risk in them.

Immediate Effect of Buteyko Breathing and Bhramari Pranayama on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Oxygen Saturation in Hypertensive Patients: A Comparative Study

Aim: There are studies showing the use of Buteyko breathing technique &amp; Bhramari Pranayama in reducingcardiorespiratory parameters in normal healthy individuals but to the best of our knowledge there is hardlyany study that has reported comparative immediate effect of these two techniques. Thus the aim of our studywas to evaluate the immediate effect of these two techniques on Blood pressure, heart rate and SpO2 inHypertensive patients.Method: The research design used was Comparative Experimental study design. Total 52 participants werescreened and those meeting the inclusion criteria (n=42) were included in the study. The participants wererandomly divided into two groups- Buteyko breathing and Bhramari pranayama Group of 21 each. Pre andimmediate post intervention scores were measured in terms of systolic BP, Diastolic BP, heart rate and SpO2.Findings: Inter group comparison (student’s unpaired t test) showed that there was no statisticallysignificant difference between the two groups in terms of Systolic and Diastolic BP, Heart rate and SpO2.The comparison of pre and post intervention valuesof the outcome measures in Buteyko group showeda significant difference in Systolic BP, Heart rate and SpO2 values whereas in Bhramari group there wasstatistically significant difference only the in Systolic BP values.Conclusion: It can be concluded from the present study that Buteyko breathing and Bhramari pranayamaare equally effective in immediately reducing the systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Influence of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama on respiratory functions of postmenopausal women

Background: Menopause is associated with lower lung functions and more respiratory symptoms. The menopausal transition implies a series of hormonal metabolic and psychological changes in women. They undergo lot of changes during this stage and they seek a change for this. Pranayama is an alternative voluntary breathing exercises reported to manage common postmenopausal symptoms, includes hot flashes, night sweat, shortness of breath, fatigue, pain, and psychological changes. With this background, we took up this study effect of pranayama on respiratory functions of postmenopausal women. Aims and Objectives: The main objective of the study was to investigate the effect of pranayama practice on respiratory functions of postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Sixty volunteers were divided into two groups, 30 interventional group and 30 control group. Pranayama group was subjected to pranayama for 12 weeks. The lung function parameters were recorded on Spiro excel, with a computerized spirometer. Five lung function parameters, it is forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1st s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC% peak expiratory flow rate, and maximum voluntary ventilation, were recorded before and after intervention in both groups. Results: The analyzed values were significantly improved in the interventional group when compared with the control group. This may be due to maximal inflation and deflation of the lungs which cause increased strength, recruitment, and endurance of respiratory musculature. Conclusion: Nadi Shodhana pranayama can improve respiratory function and can be suggested as an important tool for healthy living in postmenopausal women.

Effect of Simplifed Kundalini Yoga and Pranayama Practices on Selected Psychological Variables and Academic Performance of Secondary School Boys

The study was undertaken to find out the effect of simplified Kundalini yoga and pranayama on academic performance and selected psychological variables among school boys on aggression. To achieve the purpose of the study 45 students studying various Higher Secondary Schools, at Erode District were selected as subjects. The age of the subjects ranged from 14 to 16 years. The subjects were divided into three groups of fifteen each (n=15) randomly. Experimental Group I underwent simplified Kundalini yoga, Experimental Group II underwent Pranayama and Group III is Control group were kept under active rest.The training period is for three days per week for eight weeks in addition to school curriculum.All the subjects were tested on selected criterion variables prior and immediately after the training period. The result of the study that there is a significant difference in the adjusted post-test means of simplified Kundalini yoga group and pranayama practise group and control group it was identified that simplified yoga group is better than pranayama group and control group in improving explosive strength.

Immediate effect of Kapalbhathi pranayama on short term heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy volunteers.

Kapalbhathi Pranayam (Kapal=forehead; bhati=shining) is a breathing exercise that has been practiced to cleanse the frontal brain in traditional practices like yoga. Still, there exists a dearth of literature on the effect of Kapalbhathi pranayama on physiological systems. So this present study was carried out to find the immediate effect of "kapalbhathi Pranayam" practice for the period of 5min on cardiac autonomic function among the healthy volunteers. Apparently 50 healthy volunteers includes both sex were participated. They were randomly divided into Pranayama (n-25) and control (n-25) group. Pranayama group was practiced kapalbhathi pranayama 5min (5cycles) and control group was allowed to do normal breathing (12-16breath/min). Lead II ECG was recorded for 5min using simple AD converter before, immediately after practice and 20min of recovery period. One way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc test was done using R statistical software. There was a significant (p<0.05) parasympathetic withdrawal (Root Mean Square of the Successive Differences(RMSSD) - p < 0.04 and HF n.u -p<0.05) was found in the pranayama group immediately after practice and its was changed to parasympathetic domination (RMSSD - p<0.04 and HF n.u - p<0.05) after 20min of recovery period. The present study suggested that though there was parasympathetic withdrawal immediately after practicing kapalbhathi pranayama, 20min after the recovery period showed a parasympathetic domination in the pranayama group subjects. However, further studies are required to warrant the findings of this study.

Effect of pranayama breathing technique on asthma control, pulmonary function, and quality of life: A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effect of pranayama on asthma control, pulmonary function, and quality of life in people with asthma. MethodsPranayama was applied to the pranayama group for 20 min once daily for 1 month, and relaxation was applied to the relaxation group similarly in addition to the standard treatment. The outcome measurement tools used were the Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), pulmonary function test (PFT), and patient observation chart. ResultsThe pranayama group had significantly higher ACT score, overall AQLQ score, and subscale scores than the relaxation group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of PFT parameters and peak expiratory flow values (p > 0.05). ConclusionPranayama improved asthma control and asthma-related quality of life in people with asthma, but it did not show a significant difference in PFT values.

Effect of Yoga on Respiratory Endurance Test in Medical Students

Introduction Yogic practices can be considered to be a very good exercise for maintaining proper health and also has a profound effect on the lung functions of an individual. They are also used as psycho-physiological stimuli to increase the physiological functions and human performance. The present work is undertaken as there was no reported data on comparison of pranayama & suryanamaskar practitioners in various pulmonary endurance functions. Materials & Method The present study was conducted at MNR Medical College & Hospital, Sangareddy. The Institute Ethical Committee approved the study protocol. Informed consent was taken from all the subjects. The study was conducted with 80 subjects (aged between 18 to 20 years), under the supervision of a qualified yoga trainer. Inclusion Criteria: Medical students of age between 18–20 years, Only volunteers who are interested in practicing Yoga, Non alcoholic & non smokers. Exclusion criteria: Previous experience of yoga training and physically challenged persons. Results The MVV, 40 mm endurance and chest expansion were significantly increased (p<0.005) in the pranayama group (Group-II) and suryanamaskar group (Group-III). But the RR was significantly decreased (p<0.005) in pranayama (Group-II), suryanamaskar (Group-III) and combined group (Group-IV) than control group (Group-I), (p<0.005). Conclusion The regular practice of pranayama and Suryanamaskar practice induces more beneficial effects than physical exercise which mostly affects skeletal muscles. To meet the modern life style which is full of challenges and stress, an all-round personality development has become mediatory for the student, this aspect of relaxation and detachment is lacking in our education system and it is this new dimension (yoga) that needs to be added to the curriculum.