Efficacy of Yogatherapyon Lung Functions and Lung Volumes in Children-A Experimental Study

Background: The lungs go through 4 distinct histological phases of development and in late fetal development respiratory motions and amniotic fluid are thought to have a role in lung maturation. 1,2 Development of this system is not completed until the last weeks of fetal development, just before birth. Therefore premature babies have difficulties associated with insufficient surfactant (end month 6 alveolar cells type 2 appear and begin to secrete surfactant) 3-6 . Considerable structural changes in the chest wall may change infant and childhood predisposition to respiratory failure, lung injury, and ventilation-associated lung injury. Yoga respiration consists of very slow, deep breaths with sustained breath hold after each inspiration and expiration.Thus,previous studies considered Yoga as a method of breathing and chest expansion exercises. Objectives : To assess the effect of yogasana on lung volume, function and breath holding capacity on children. Materials and Methods: Experimental study was conducted 2 groups were formed .Group A was designated for yoga asanas ( UttitaKumarsana, ArdhaMatsyandrasana , Parvatasana, Yoga Mudra, Dhanurasana and Bhujangasana) Group B was asked to continue regular playing activities for 30 Min 3 times a week for 12 sessions. Result Analysis: Chest expansion, FVC,FEV1,FEV25-75% and breath holding capacity has shown increased in both group whereas more in children performing yogaasanas. Conclusion: The study concludes that looking at increasing burden of studies & expectation it is necessary to keep children ready to combat with physical mental fitness Yoga session should be incorporated as routine from school itself.