Positive Health Online

Abstract

SODHI and COLLEAGUES,  Department of Physiology, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana - 141 007.

Background

The role of yoga breathing exercises, as an adjunct treatment for bronchial asthma is well recognized.

Methodology

One hundred twenty patients of asthma were randomized into two groups i.e Group A (yoga training group) and Group B (control group). Each group included sixty patients. Pulmonary function tests were performed on all the patients at baseline, after 4 weeks and then after 8 weeks.

Results

Majority of the subjects in the two groups had mild disease (34 patients in Group A and 32 in Group B). Group A subjects showed a statistically significant increasing trend (P < 0.01) in % predicted peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced mid expiratory flow in 0.25-0.75 seconds (FEF25-75) and FEV1/FVC% ratio at 4 weeks and 8 weeks as compared to Group B.

Conclusion

Thus, yoga breathing exercises used adjunctively with standard pharmacological treatment significantly improves pulmonary functions in patients with bronchial asthma.

References

Sodhi C, Singh S and Dandona PK. A study of the effect of yoga training on pulmonary functions in patients with bronchial asthma. Indian Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology. 53(2): 169-74. Apr-Jun 2009.

Comment

Research and clinical trial data is continuing to demonstrate the positive impact of breathing for asthma, as well as other conditions.