Pulmonary functions in yogic and sedentary population.

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are crucial for assessing physiological fitness.
• Lifestyle factors, including yoga, may influence lung function parameters.
• This study investigates the impact of yoga on the respiratory system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare pulmonary function test results between individuals practicing yoga and sedentary individuals.

Main Methods:

• A comparative analytical study involving 50 yoga practitioners and 50 sedentary controls (ages 20-40).
• Pulmonary function tests were conducted using Medspiror.
• Key parameters measured: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), FEV1, FEV3, PEFR, and FEV1/FVC ratio.

Main Results:

• Yoga practitioners demonstrated significantly improved pulmonary function compared to the sedentary group.
• Higher mean percentages were observed in yoga practitioners for FVC (109.1%), FEV1 (116.3%), FEV3 (105.7%), PEFR (109.2%), and FEV1/FVC ratio (111.3%).
• Yoga exercise led to increased chest wall expansion.

Conclusions:

• Regular yoga practice is associated with enhanced vital capacity and timed vital capacity.
• Yoga positively impacts maximal voluntary ventilation, breath-holding time, and maximal respiratory pressures.
• Yoga represents a beneficial lifestyle intervention for respiratory health.