Pranayama Training Research Articles

Effect of Nadishodhana Pranayama on Cognitive Function amongHealthy Individuals

Background & Objectives: The Nadishodhana pranayama, alternate nostril breathing, activates and harmonizes ida and pingala nadis. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of commonly practiced Nadishodhana pranayama on cognitive functions in healthy individuals.Methods: A randomized control trial of 60 Subjects of age group fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited and randomly assigned to Group 1, study group (n=30) and Group 2 control group (n=30). Nadishodhana pranayama training was given for 15 min per session, 6 days per week for the duration of 8 weeks. Pre and Post parameters were recorded. Assessments were done using Cognitive parameters letter cancellation test, trail-making tests A and B (TMT), forward and backward digit spans.Results: The study assessed the effect of NSP on executive functions. The data was tested for normality using the Shapiro-wilks test. Within group comparisons and between groups comparisons were made using paired t test and independent sample test consecutively. Within group comparisons for study group showed a significant improvement in Single Letter Cancellation Test (p=0.0028) and digit span forward (p<0.0005). Interestingly there was a significant reduction in digit span backward (p=0.005) in the control group. Between group comparisons showed a significant improvement in the digit span forward test following the intervention (p=0.003). The results suggest that Nadishodhana pranayama are beneficial for cognitive functions.Interpretation & Conclusion: Nadishodhana pranayama practice is beneficial for improving cognitive functions, Hence Nadishodhana pranayama can be prescribed as effective modality to improve attention and manipulation in auditory working memory.

Effect of Kapalbhati pranayama on peak expiratory flow rate in healthy individuals

Background: Pranayama practice has been shown to have a positive impact on respiratory functions. There is a lot of research documenting the long-term effects of pranayama training, but there are few studies documenting the immediate impact of pranayama on bodily processes. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether practicing pranayama has any short-term effect on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Materials and Methods: For this study, a total of 60 male high school teachers were enlisted. There were two groups made out of the participants: One was the study group, and the other was the control group. For 8 weeks, the study group was required to do Kapalbhati pranayama. In both groups, the PEFR was measured. For statistical analysis, a Paired t-test was used, and P < 0.05 was considered the level of significance. Results: After 8 weeks, a substantial rise in PEFR was seen in the study group. Conclusion: An increase in PEFR indicates that lung function has improved. This might be because Kapalbhati pranayama trains the respiratory apparatus to empty and fill more fully and effectively.

Effect of pranayama on sympatho-vagal imbalance and cognitive deficit in premenstrual syndrome.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a prevalent and often neglected condition that affects around 80% of women of reproductive age. In PMS, abnormal fluctuations in gonadal hormones cause altered homeostasis, resulting in sympatho-vagal imbalance and poor cognition. To compare autonomic function parameters and cognitive performance between PMS and control groups, and to study the effect of pranayama on the above parameters in PMS women. It was a randomized control trial. We recruited 40 women of reproductive age who fit the inclusion criteria. They were asked to complete the Premenstrual Syndrome Screening Tool (PSST) questionnaire and were categorized as having PMS (n = 20) or not having PMS (n = 20). All study participants had their baseline CAFT, HRV, BRS, P300, and MOCA values recorded. Following that, participants in the PMS group were divided into two groups of ten at random. For 8 weeks, one group received pranayama training. Following that, all baseline data were recorded again in both the pranayama and no-intervention groups. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. For parametric data, the unpaired t test was used to compare between the PMS and no PMS groups, whereas the Mann-Whitney U test was employed for non-parametric data. To compare the parameters before and after intervention, the Students paired 't' test for parametric data and the Wilcoxan-signed rank test for non-parametric data were used. According to the findings, autonomic function and cognition were considerably affected in the PMS group and improved significantly in the PMS group following pranayama intervention. Pranayama is an effective and safe non-pharmacological method for treating PMS and improving women's quality of life.

Effect of yoga training on handgrip and endurance in young individuals

Background: Pranayama and asanas of yoga have gained popularity, providing a coherent set of comprehensive exercises and altered ways of length, pattern, and depth of breathing patterns into a unified body–mind strengthening tool, ultimately improving the quality of modern life. The particular effects of yoga on handgrip and endurance have been taken as a study tool in this article. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives are to study the effect of pranayama training on handgrip strength (HGS) and endurance in young, healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: 60 healthy volunteers in the age group of 18–25 years, including male and female staff working in Madurai Medical College and Hospital and their friends and relatives, were recruited for the study. Results: There is a significant (P < 0.05) increase in handgrip endurance (HGE) and a very highly significant (P < 0.0001) increase in HGS in study group subjects. Conclusion: Regular practice of pranayama has shown improvement in HGS and HGE in both hands. Thus, yoga may be helpful in improving the overall health and performance of young individuals.

Effect of Ten Weeks of Yoga Intervention on Vital Capacity among Pondicherry University Community College Students

Abstract: The present study was conducted on physically active men students to assess the relative effects of selected yogic practices on vital capacity. For the present study 10 men students from Pondicherry University Community College were selected. 10 weeks of yogic training was given to selected subjects. The treatment schedule was prepared for 10 weeks. The experimental treatment was given for 45 minutes a day in 5 days in a week. The vital capacity was measured both pre and post training situations of before and after 10 weeks of Pranayama training. After 10 weeks of Pranayama training Vital Capacity was significantly improved in the selected subjects. This is due to the yogic training given.

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 < 0.05) decreased systolic & 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.

Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath) Pranayama Values

To purify the mind, the oxygen flowing upwards and the gas flowing downwards is to be moved in the opposite direction that is in the abdomen, the transfusion should take place. For this, Kapalabhati helps greatly. Kapalabhati Pranayama is a fast pranayama training method. This exercise reduces the activity of the sympathetic nerves. Hypothalamus function is stimulated. Anxiety, stress, and blood pressure are removed. Positive mood, perception, and tolerance develop. So self-management, decision making, and future planning improve. The Bhagavad Gita states that pranayama is the erasure of sins. The results of scientific research confirm that the Kapalabhati Pranayama values the improvement of physical health, mental health, mental health, and biological health.

Effect of six months pranayama training on stress-induced salivary cortisol response among adolescents-Randomized controlled study

BackgroundA combination of yoga practices has been documented to reduce stress and stress-induced cortisol levels. The objective of the current study is to examine the effects of six months of a single pranayama practice (Bhramari [Bhr. P]) on reducing salivary cortisol response to the cold pressor test (CPT) among adolescents. MethodsTwenty-six healthy adolescents between the ages of 11 and 19 were randomly assigned to either yoga group (n-13) or control group (n-13). Yoga group participants were trained to do Bhr. P for 45 min, thrice a week for six months. All participants underwent CPT at baseline and at end of six months. Saliva samples were collected at baseline (t0), at 20 min (t1), 40 min (t2), and 60 min after the CPT (t3). ResultsContradictory to our hypothesis, participants in the yoga group exhibited a higher salivary cortisol response to the CPT at t1 (p = 0.04) when compared to the control group. However, the t3 salivary cortisol levels showed a statistically significant reduction (p = 0.03) in yoga group when compared to the control group. A significant interaction with time (F (1, 88) = 316.5, p = .001, ηp2:0.91) and between the group × time (F (3, 88) = 2.83, p = 0.04, ηp2:0.8) was found after the intervention. ConclusionsAn increase in the cortisol responsiveness observed in the study is an indication of the adaptive capability achieved through regular yoga training, evidenced by an initial rise in cortisol followed by a rapid fall below baseline after 60 min. Further research is required to conclusively determine the changes in cortisol levels over time in response to stress in long-term yoga practitioners.

EFFECT OF BHASTRIKA PRANAYAMA ON “SHWASAN KARMA”

Pranayama is a breathing technique that produces many systemic and psychological effects in the body, specifically on the respiratory system. It is also an art to control the life force of breath. The aim and objective are to assess effect of breathing exercise i.e., Bhastrika Pranayama on ‘Shwasan Karma’, in individuals practicing regularly for continuous 12 weeks. This study was designed to study the effects of Pranayama on the pulmonary function parameters. Pranayama is one of the best lifestyle modifications which have ever been devised in the history of mankind. It is an ancient yoga technique, a spiritual and physical practice which integrates the mind and body. Pranayama is a type of yogic practice which produces many systemic psycho-physical effects in the body, besides its specific effects on the respiratory functions. The study group consisted of 32 volunteers. The participants were asked to undergo Pranayama training for 30 min daily, for 3 months. The results showed statistically significant improvement in FVC, FEV1, PEFR, MVV after pranayama. After analysing statistically results showed that, Shwasan Karma was significantly improved in individuals practicing Bhastrika Pranayama.

Effect of pranayama training on vital capacity, respiratory pressures, and respiratory endurance of young healthy volunteers

Background: There is a paucity of literature on the effects of isolated pranayam practice in particular savitri pranayam. Furthermore, no study depicts the pattern of change and variations in the effects produced. It needed to be found out whether long-term practice of Pranayama improves respiratory endurance and to what extent. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1stsecond, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and 40 mm Hg endurance of young healthy volunteers and to study the effect of pranayam on the same. Materials and Methods: Sixty volunteers of age group 20–30 were recruited and were divided into pranayam group and control group. After familiarizing the subjects with lab environment, the pre training values of both the groups were recorded. The parameters recorded were FVC, Forced expiratory volume in 1st s, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and 40 mm Hg endurance. A spirometer and a mercury manometer were used to measure these parameters. The pranayam group was given training in savitri pranayam for 12 weeks. The parameters were recorded at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of study. Data were collected and analyzed with student-t-test. Tests of significance were calculated by Statistical package for the Social Sciences software version 21.0. Results: There was a highly significant improvement (P < 0.001) in all the parameters among pranayam group. The control group did not showed significant improvement in any of the parameters. Conclusion: The improvement in respiratory efficiency in this study, though highly significant is less in magnitude. Combined practice of asan and pranayam may produce a better improvement than practicing savitri pranayam alone. The pattern of improvement in respiratory variables is not uniform. Individuals respond differently to yoga. Some showed a rapid improvement followed by a plateau, whereas for others the improvement graph appeared slow and steady. Yoga training has to be individualized and yoga therapy should be customized according to individual patient’s receptivity and nature. Savitri pranayam would be an effective tool in promotion of respiratory efficiency.

Beneficial effects of Nadisudhi pranayama on reaction time

Introduction: Yoga is a technique which improves physical and mental health.Yoga unites the body and mind. Nadisudhi pranayama is one type of yoga; on regular practice it causes feeling of freshness, energy and lightness of body and mind. Aim and Objectives: The study was designed to assess the beneficial effects of Nadisudhi pranayama on reaction time. Materials and Methods: 60 young healthy subjects in the age group of 17-24 years were selected for the study. They received Nadisudhi pranayama training of 6 days a week for 6 weeks. Auditory reaction time & visual reaction time were recorded before and after 6 weeks of training. Results: Results were analyzed by using paired ‘t’ test. There was significant decrease in auditory& visual reaction time after practice of Nadisudhi pranayama which signify a more alert state as well as improved central neural processing in Nadisudhi pranayama trained persons. Conclusion: Nadisudhi pranayama is effective in decrease the reaction time. So Nadisudhi pranayama training may be beneficial to reduce the stress and improve the concentration. Keywords: Nadisudhi pranayama, Auditory reaction time, Visual reaction time.

Pranayama, a simple counterattack on obesity, via its impact on the serum leptin levels

Overweight (i.e. BMI of 25- 29.9) and Obesity (BMI ?30) continues to be one of the neglected global health problems. Leptin is one of the chief adipokines in the body that is basically involved in maintaining a balanced appetite in association with the various other adipokines like the adiponectin, ghrelin etc., Pranayama is the simplest and the ancient, dateless, venerable, non- pharmacological intervention that could be potentially used to maintain a healthy life. To determine how the regular practice of pranayama could significantly alter the deranged serum leptin levels in the obese. The correlative study was carried out in Sree Balaji Medical College &amp; Hospital. The subjects included were 60 obese student volunteers of 17-19 years with no other known complications. We measured their serum leptin levels using ELISA method in the central laboratory, both before and after the pranayama training for 6 months. After 6 months of regular pranayama practice, there was a significant decrease in both their serum leptin levels and their BMI as well. Thus, it was concluded that we can potentially turn off our fat switch by beneficially reducing the serum leptin levels and enhancing the leptin receptor sensitivity in the obese with the regular practice of pranayama.&#x0D;

Influence of Pranayama on Respiratory Function of Middle Age Women

- The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of respiratory function by measuring vital capacity and Breath holding. The investigator adopted experimental method of research on 40 middle aged women ranged from 41-45 years. The experimental groups participated in Pranayama training for a period of twelve weeks. Prior to the study, vital capacity and breath holding of all the subjects were taken. Based upon these values, vital capacity and breath holding was calculated before and after the fitness training. Pranayama begins with breathing guidance and completes full control over the streams of life or within the basics. The effects of pranayama on selected physiological variables, dependent‘t’ test was applied at 0.05 level of significance to find out the significance among the mean differences. Participants assigned to Pranayama training revealed a significant improvement in respiratory function (p&lt;0.05).

Effects of Yoga Respiratory Practice (Bhastrika pranayama) on Anxiety, Affect, and Brain Functional Connectivity and Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Pranayama refers to a set of yoga breathing exercises. Recent evidence suggests that the practice of pranayama has positive effects on measures of clinical stress and anxiety. This study explored the impact of a Bhastrika pranayama training program on emotion processing, anxiety, and affect. We used a randomized controlled trial design with thirty healthy young adults assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks of pranayama practices. Two functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols were used both at baseline and post-intervention: an emotion task as well as a resting-state acquisition. Our results suggest that pranayama significantly decreased states of anxiety and negative affect. The practice of pranayama also modulated the activity of brain regions involved in emotional processing, particularly the amygdala, anterior cingulate, anterior insula, and prefrontal cortex. Resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) showed significantly reduced functional connectivity involving the anterior insula and lateral portions of the prefrontal cortex. Correlation analysis revealed that changes in connectivity between the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and the right anterior insula were associated with changes in anxiety. Although it should be noted that these analyses were preliminary and exploratory, it provides the first evidence that 4 weeks of B. pranayama significantly reduce the levels of anxiety and negative affect, and that these changes are associated with the modulation of activity and connectivity in brain areas involved in emotion processing, attention, and awareness. The study was registered at https://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-2gv5c2/(RBR-2gv5c2).

Effect of pranayama training on physiological variables of school level students

Effect of pranayama training on physiological variables of school level students

To compare the study of audio visual reaction time before and after pranayama training: A prospective observational study

To compare the study of audio visual reaction time before and after pranayama training: A prospective observational study

Effects of 40 days of Pranayama Training in Hypertensive Subjects

Effects of 40 days of Pranayama Training in Hypertensive Subjects

Impact of Regularly Supervised Training of Pranayama and Omkar Meditation on the Cardio-Respiratory Parameters and Short-Term Memory of Persons with Special Needs

Impact of Regularly Supervised Training of Pranayama and Omkar Meditation on the Cardio-Respiratory Parameters and Short-Term Memory of Persons with Special Needs

F - 01: A Comparative Study of The Differential Effects of Short Term Asana and Pranayama Training on Reaction Time

F - 01: A Comparative Study of The Differential Effects of Short Term Asana and Pranayama Training on Reaction Time

Effects of Pranayama on mental health and physical fitness in healthy University students

Background: In Indian Universities, much attention is not given to the mental and physical fitness of the students during routine teaching-learning sessions except in the courses related to physical education, medicine, and yoga. Even general health-related lessons are mostly not included in the curricula of most of the courses. This fact becomes important in the context of increasing prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases among the younger population. Yogic training happens to be one of the promising and effective methods of training in developing mental and physical fitness. Objective of the Study: The objective of this study was to find out the effect of Pranayama on physical fitness and mental health in University-level healthy students. Method: A total of 108 adult volunteers of University-level healthy students of both gender, aged 17–28 years were included in the study. The selected individuals were divided into two groups, experimental- and control-with (n = 54) individuals in each group. The training period of Anuloma-viloma and Bhastrika Pranayama for experimental group was 12 weeks. Physical fitness parameters and mental health were assessed at the baseline and after completion of 12 weeks of the training intervention. Mental health was tested with a validated Mental Health Inventory Questionnaire. Control groups did not undergo Pranayama training. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvement in most of the physical fitness parameters after 12 weeks of Pranayama practice; however, the control group did not show significant improvement. The positive effect of Pranayama though was observed on mental health parameters in the experimental group, the difference was not statistically significant when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Anuloma-viloma and Bhastrika Pranayama appear to be effective in improving physical health parameters among healthy University students.