DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2013.v01i04.003

Pages: 112-114

Pranayama are breathing techniques that exert profound physiological effects on pulmonary, cardiovascular and intellectual higher centre functions. The science of pranayama deals with the control and enrichment of this vital force which results in rhythmic respiration, calm and alert state of the mind. Previous studies demonstrate that different types of pranayama produce divergent physiological effects. The aim of our study is to find out the beneficial effects 6 weeks of Kapalabhati pranayama training on peak expiratory flow rate, which is one of the pulmonary function parameters were analyzed among young, healthy volunteers. Present study was conducted in Department of Physiology, JIPMER on 60 healthy volunteers of both genders. After getting informed, written consent, subjects were randomized into pranayama group (n=30) and control group (n=30). Supervised training was given to the study group by a certified yoga instructor and they practiced Kapalabhati pranayama started with 30 times for 1 min and increased to 5 minutes/day, twice daily, thrice/week for 6weeks. Baseline recordings of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) were recorded using Peak Flow Meter (Pulmo Peak) before and after the pranayama training. Our results showed a significant difference in peak expiratory flow rate when compared with the values at baseline. The analysis on the effect of 6weeks of Kapalbhati pranayama on peak expiratory flow rate significantly improved (P<0.05, respectively). We concluded that 6 weeks of Kapalabhati pranayama training to the young, healthy volunteers showed statistically significant increase in the commonly measured pulmonary function parameters. Kapalabhati pranayama requires breath coordination at higher rate and hence, higher rate of respiratory muscle activity, that produced strengthening of the respiratory muscles and resulted in improvement of pulmonary function.