Positive Health Online

Abstract

KHANAM and colleagues, Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi India write that the concept that yoga may be helpful in the treatment of bronchial asthma has stimulated a great deal of interest within medical research fields. The authors conducted a study to determine whether autonomic and pulmonary functions are improved following short term yoga training.

Background

Methodology

9 patients diagnosed with bronchial asthma participated in a 7-day yoga training camp. Autonomic function tests Deep Breathing, Valsalva Manoeuvre, Hand Grip, Cold Pressure tests and pulmonary functions tests FVC, FEV1, PEFR, PIF, BHT and CE were recorded prior to and following yoga training.

Results

Resting heart rate was significantly decreased following yoga training, as was sympathetic reactivity. There was no change in parasympathetic reactivity . FVC, FEV1, PEFR did not change significantly, but PIF, BHT and CE improved significantly.

Conclusion

: These results demonstrated reduction in sympathetic reactivity and improvement in pulmonary ventilation by relaxation of voluntary inspiratory and expiratory muscles. The short term yoga training for patients with bronchial asthma has resulted in significant benefit even within only 7 days .

References

Khanam AA et al. Study of pulmonary and autonomic functions of asthma patients after yoga training. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 40(4): 318-24. Oct 1996.