Effects of 4-week rope mallakhamb training on respiratory indices in adolescent girls

Abstract

SummaryStudy aim: To assess the effects of 4-week rope mallakhamb training on respiratory indices in girls. Material and methods: A group of 24 high-school girls aged 12 -16 years, who participated in interschool yoga competitions and in the Catch Them Young (CTY) programme, volunteered to participate in this study. They were randomly assigned into rope mallakhamb (M) and control (C) groups, n = 12 each. The M group was subjected to 4-week training consisting of various asanas (Paschimottanasana, Natrajasana, Nidrasana, Mayurasana and Savasana), the control group participated in the routine yoga mallakhamb training not containing the asanas mentioned. The following respiratory indices were determined using a wet spirometer: tidal volume (Vt), expiratory (ERV) and inspiratory (IRV) reserve volume, vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC) and inspiratory capacity (IC). Results: The 4-week rope mallakhamb training brought about significant (p<0.05 -0.001) improvements (by 5 -13%) in all indices except FVC. None of the indices significantly improved in Group C. Conclusions:The rope mallakhamb training may be recommended to improve strength and endurance of respiratory muscles and may contribute to enhanced voluntary control of breathing.

Effects of Anulom Vilom Pranayama and Rope Mallakhamb Training on respiratory parameters in young females with athletic backgrounds

“…The results of this study are consistent with the results of our previous study conducted among girls (age = 12 -16 years) [14]. In our previous study we explored the effect of 4-weeks of RMT on adolescent girls and we found that it enhanced voluntary control of breathing [14]. Our findings are supported by those of who reported that yoga exercise significantly increased chest circumferences by 15 (middle and lower) to 37% (upper) as well as several respiratory indices -Forced expiratory volume first second (FEV1), Forced Expiratory Flow between 25 and 75 (FEF 25-75%) and Forced vital capacity (FVC) by 12 -17%) [30].…”

“…The results of this study demonstrate that RMT lasting 4-weeks significantly improved several respiratory indices. The results of this study are consistent with the results of our previous study conducted among girls (age = 12 -16 years) [14]. In our previous study we explored the effect of 4-weeks of RMT on adolescent girls and we found that it enhanced voluntary control of breathing [14].…”

“…Similarly, our previous study has shown that mallakhamb has a positive impact on respiratory parameters among high school girls. Our previous results indicated that a 4-week RMT on 24 high-school girls (age = 12-16 years) improved respiratory indices including VT, expiratory and inspiratory reserve volume, vital capacity, forced vital capacity and inspiratory capacity compared to a control group [14].…”

“…In RMT participants practiced the RMT postures mentioned below (Figure 3) [14]. After the AVP intervention, participants were asked to relax and were asked to perform relaxing postures including Balasana and Shavasana.…”