A Study of Short-term Breathing Exercises on Different Cardio-Respiratory Parameters

Cardiorespiratory health is one of the critical parameters for improving endurance. Breathing exercises in the form of various Pranayama have a significant effect on cardiorespiratory health. To assess the effect of breathing exercises in the form of various pranayamas on cardiorespiratory parameters in people living with sedentary lifestyles. This longitudinal study was done on 30 subjects aged 25 to 35 years. Participants performed Bhastrika, Kapalbhati, Anulomvilom and Bhamri Pranayama with prayers and warm-up for 10 to 40 minutes, progressively increasing over one year. The average daily duration in the initial 3 months was 15 minutes; in the next three months, it was 23 minutes. The average daily duration in the last 6 months was 34 minutes. Cardiorespiratory functions were assessed using Spiro Excel machine spirometer and Mercury sphygmomanometer (Diamond) at the time of enrolment and the end of 1 year of the study. A paired t-test, using statistical software, was used to analyze parameters. In males and females, significant change is observed in pulse rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. In pulmonary function test parameters, non-significant change was observed in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV₁) and forced vital capacity (FVC); other parameters, i.e., FEV₁ as percentage of FVC in % [FEV₁ (%)], peak expiratory flow rate in L/s (PEFR) and Minute Ventilation Volume (MVV) L/min showed significant change in males and females. Breathing exercises in the form of various Pranayama positively affect cardiorespiratory health, and further studies are recommended in the diseased population.