IMPACT OF PRANAYAM ON RESPIRATORY PARAMETERS AMONG PATIENTS WITH BRONCHIAL ASTHMA :A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Pranayama is a controlled breathing technique rooted in ancient yogic practices aimed at regulating physical and mental well-being. Improving respiratory efficiency and maintaining autonomic nervous system balance require deliberate control over inhalation, exhalation, and retention. Wheezing, dyspnea, and hyperresponsiveness of the airways are the hallmarks of asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways.

Aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of pranayama on respiratory parameters among patients with bronchial asthma

Methodology- A quantitative research approach was adopted for the study. The research design selected was a Quasi experimental Non—equivalent control group pre-test post-test design to determine the effect of pranayama intervention. The study was carried out in ESIC BAPUNAGAR  Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The target population consisted of patients diagnosed with bronchial asthma who were attending the outpatient or inpatient departments of the selected hospital. A sample of patients meeting the inclusion criteria was selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. The collected data were organized and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Mean, standard deviation, and frequency distribution were used to describe the findings. The effectiveness of pranayama was determined by comparing pre-test and post-test scores using appropriate statistical tests.

Result- The study findings revealed that the experimental group who practiced pranayama showed significant improvement in respiratory parameters including FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC ratio compared to the control group. The mean difference was higher in the experimental group, and the unpaired t-test indicated statistical significance at p < 0.05. The control group showed minimal or no improvement.

Conclusion- The study concludes that pranayama is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for improving respiratory parameters among patients with bronchial asthma. Regular practice of pranayama significantly enhances lung function and can be incorporated as a complementary therapy in asthma management.