Yogic breathing and meditation techniques on lung functions in healthy individuals: A pilot study

Background: Yogic breathing (i.e., pranayama) and meditation techniques (YBMT) are the most important parts of yoga. Regular practice of yoga has shown to improve pulmonary functions in healthy as well as in people with pulmonary diseases. However, studies on effectiveness of YBMT alone on lung function are lacking. Aims: To evaluate the short-term effect of YBMT on peak expiratory flow rate in healthy individuals. Settings and Design: A pilot randomized controlled study was done in a medical college hospital located in South India. Materials and Methods: Sixty healthy individuals were randomly allocated to either a study group or a control group. Study group practiced YBMT for 10 min/day for 2 weeks, while the control group was under their normal routine. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was assessed before and after 2 weeks of intervention. Statistical Analysis: Independent t test and paired t test were conducted to compare the means of inter groups and intra-groups using SPSS, version 16. Results: A significant increase in PEFR was observed in the study group (P < 0.001), unlike the control group (P = 0.588). Moreover, a significant increase in PEFR was observed in the study group (P = 0.047) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Results suggest that YBMT might be useful in improving PEFR in healthy individuals.