Abstract

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of yogic exercise on respiratory system in middle aged men. The objective of the study is to assess respiratory parameter in both groups. For the study, we selected 90 healthy volunteers between age group 35 to 50. They were divided into 2 groups: 1) control group (45); and 2) study group (yoga) (45). Control group did not perform any exercise or yoga during 6 months period; whereas, study group performed yogic exercises and pranayama for 6 months under the supervision of yoga experts in yoga center. In both group respiratory rates, forced vital capacity (FVC) (L), forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) (L), FEV1/FEC ratio and PEFR (L/S) were recorded at 0 and 6 months period. In control group, R/R, FVC(L), FEV1(L), PEFR(L/S) , FEV1/FVC ratio showed no significant changed at 0 and 6 month period; whereas, study group (yoga) showed decreased in R/R from 17.20 ± 1.17 to 13.93±0.75 at 6 months (p < 0.001); FVC increased from 2.85±0.26 to 3.03±0.23 at 6 months (p < 0.001). FEV1 increases from 2.31±0.25 to 2.50±0.23 at 6 months (p < 0.001). PEFR showed significant increased from 6.62±0.77 to 7.76±0.55 at 6 months (p < 0.001). FEV1/FEC (ratio %) increased from 81.06±3.18 to 82.25±3 at 6 months (p < 0.001). Weight andbody mass index (BMI) also showed significant decrease in study group (p<0.05). In conclusion, yogi exercises and pranayama done regularly at long term improve pulmonary function test.

Key words: Yogic exercises, pulmonary function test, respiratory rate.