Aim of our study is effect of breathing techniques on pulmonary functions in bronchial asthma before and after yogic pranayama intervention of 2 months. Eighty stable asthmatic-patients were randomized into two groups i.e group 1 (Pranayama training group) and group 2 (control group). Each group included forty patients. Lung functions were recorded on all patients at baseline, and then after two months. Both the groups were allowed to continue with their usual physical activity and medications. Group 1 subjects showed a statistically significant improvement (P<0.001) in Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in 1st sec (FEV1), Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Quality of life also increased significantly. Training-induced changes were greater in group 1 than 2 for following variables: increase of FVC (% predicted) (p=0.11), FEV1 (% predicted) , (p=0.15), PEF (%predicted) from (p<0.05), It was concluded that pranayama & yoga breathing techniques are useful to increasing the strength of chest muscles, expand the lung capacity, raise energy levels, and calm the mind and body.
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