Effect of Yoga on Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary function tests are accurate in assessing the functional status of Respiratory system. Lung Volumes and capacities have relationship with life style such as yoga, pranayamas and regular exercises.

To study the effect of yoga on pulmonary function Tests.

The study group comprised of twenty persons, who were practicing kriya yoga and Hong sau technique for minimum of one year duration. Twenty subjects with sedentary life style, who were not practicing yoga and a leisure time activities or activity less than 20 min per day, was considered as control group. Pulmonary function Tests were carried out in both groups to assess the difference. The parameters evaluated were FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEFR. Persons with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bronchial asthma and trained athletes were excluded from the study Informed wrien consent from the study and control group was obtained. The results were compared between two groups by using the t-test. The percentage of FVC, FEV1 and PEFR were found to be increased in kriya yoga practioners than the control group. The FEV1/FVC does not show much difference between them. From this study we conclude kriya yoga and Hong sau techniques on regular practice improve the efficiency of pulmonary functions in healthy individuals. Yoga practice is beneficial in sedentary people, by playing a greater value in preservation of health and in prevention of respiratory diseases.