IMPROVEMENT IN RESPIRATORY FUNCTIONS AFTER ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING IN HEALTHY YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

The ancient Indian practice of ‘Pranayam’ is clamed to improve pulmonaryfunctions. Alternative Nostril Breathing (ANB) is a relatively less studied part of prayanam withregard to pulmonary functions. Methods: We investigated the effect of ANB on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and Forced Expiratory Flow25–75% (FEF25 75%) before and after 4 months ofpractice of ANB in young healthy 20 male and 20 female subjects. Results: PEFR rose significantly (p<0.0001) from 3.49±1.63 to 6.12±1.56 L/sec in males from 3.08±1.35 to 4.11±1.28 L/sec in females after practicing this nostril breathing exercise for a duration of four months. Even FEF25–75% rose significantly (p<0.0001) from 2.61±1.10 to 4.47±1.04 L/sec in males and from 2.39±0.86 to 3.67±0.83 L/sec in females. Conclusion: The results suggest that regularly practicing ANB from a young age can cause positive improvement in pulmonary functions.