Role of Short Term Yoga on Pulmonary Functions of Young and Middle Aged Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Background and Objective: Yoga attracts people primarily as an easy way to good health. Yogic techniques are known to improve one's overall performance and working capacity. So, our study aimed to evaluate the pulmonary functions in healthy individuals aged 20 to 65 years before and after short duration yoga training and to evaluate the differential effects between young and middle aged individuals. Methods and Material: A comparative prospective study involving 52 healthy individuals aged 20 to 65 years. The study group was divided into two according to age Group I (age=20-40 yrs, young adults) and Group II (age=40-65 yrs, middle aged). Pulmonary function parameters like Breath Holding Time, 40 mmHg Endurance Test, Vital Capacity, FEV1% and PEFR were recorded before and after two weeks yoga training. The mean values of parameters were compared within and between groups before and after yoga training. Results: We found statistically significant higher values of 40 mmHg Endurance Test and PEFR in Group I compared to Group II before yoga training. Also found statistically significant improvements of the pulmonary function parameters in Group I as well as Group II after short term yoga training but the effects were more prominent in Group I. There is statistically significant higher values of PEFR in Group I compared to Group II after yoga training. Conclusion: This study showed beneficial effects of short term yoga on pulmonary function parameters in healthy subjects aged 20 to 65 years, particularly in young adults.

Effect of yoga training and detraining on respiratory muscle strength in pre-pubertal children: A randomized trial

“…[ 11 ] Studies have revealed that even short-term (2 weeks) yoga training is sufficient to improve the lung function. [ 10 ] In the present study, although significant increase was observed in FVC, FEV1, and PEFR in 7-9-year-old children in both the groups at the end of 3 months training, there was no significant difference between the yoga and the PE group post-intervention, expect for MIP.…”

“…[1011] Only 3 weeks of yoga program conducted for 28 visually impaired 11-17-year-old children showed reduction in the breath rates significantly. [12]…”

“…Researchers have observed that the significant change in the lung functions can be brought about even with short-term yoga training. [ 10 11 ] Only 3 weeks of yoga program conducted for 28 visually impaired 11-17-year-old children showed reduction in the breath rates significantly. [ 12 ]…”

Effect of Yoga on pulmonary function tests

“…Table 1 shows a significant increase in BHT in all. Ankad Roopa B et al (2011) 8 found similar improvement in BHT after practicing short term Pranayama and meditation in healthy individuals and study of Lata M. Mullur et al (2012) 9 also found significant increase in BHT after short term Yoga practice. Improvement in BHT may be due to practice of Yoga which makes stretch receptors to withstand more stretching.…”

“…3,6 It has been reported that regular Yoga practice resulted in decrease in resting respiratory rate. 7 It has also been reported that short term Yoga practice resulted in significant improvement in BHT 8,9 and MVV. 10 In a study with subjects between the ages of 40 to 60 years with no previous Yoga experience, 80 % showed improvement in breath holding time after the completion of an intensive Yoga program.…”