Effectiveness of Pranayama's on Respiratory Health Status among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients Admitted in Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni (Bk)

The respiratory diseases constitute a major problem of the world today. Every fifth death case is believed to be caused by a lung disease. The most frequent causes of death related to lung diseases are pneumonia, tuberculosis and COPD. These represent a substantial economic and social burden throughout the world.

A study was planned (1) to assess the level of respiratory health status, (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of Pranayama's on respiratory health status among COPD patients and (3) to find association of respiratory health status with their socio demographic characteristics.

Thirty COPD patients in the age group of above 30 years were studied. They were assessed for the level of respiratory health status on first day of admission followed by the implementation of Pranayama's (Surya bhedana, Bhastrika and Nadi shodhana) for 30 days for every four hourly two times each. The post test was carried out after one month of intervention by using the Respiratory health status assessment Performa and computerized spirometry. The data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics wherever required.

Statistically significant improvement in the respiratory health status, pulmonary function and reduction of respiratory manifestations was found. There was significant association was found with age and the respiratory health status.

Study results indicate that the effect of Pranayama's decrease the respiratory manifestations and improves the pulmonary function parameters. It is essential to raise the awareness on significance of Pranayama's and seek behavioral change among COPD patients to improve the cardio pulmonary parameters.