Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2025
Resting-State Connectivity and Neuroimaging of Prefrontal Cortex Activity During a Block-Design Yoga Asana Practice Using fNIRS
Published on: June 24, 2025
The Role of Yoga in Mitigating Pulmonary Function and Psychological Decline Due to Air Pollution: A Randomized
Sparsh Kakkar1, Nilanjana Basu2, Vinamra Sharma3
1MA, Research Scholar, Amity Institute of Indian System of Medicine, Amity University, Noida, India.
Background:
Air pollution poses a significant public health risk, particularly in urban areas such as Delhi-NCR, where airborne pollutants are prevalent. This exposure contributes to impaired pulmonary function and increased psychological stress. While pharmacological interventions exist, holistic approaches such as yoga remain underexplored in this context.
Objective:
This study evaluates the impact of a structured yoga program on pulmonary function and psychological well-being in individuals chronically exposed to air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
Methods:
A 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted among 86 adults, aged 18-50 years. Participants were randomly assigned to a yoga intervention group or a control group. The intervention group practiced a structured daily yoga regimen informed by Hatha Yoga philosophy, comprising 60-minute sessions of asanas, pranayama, and guided meditation, five days a week. Pulmonary functions, such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiration flow rate (PEFR), were assessed using spirometry. Psychological health was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). Quality of life was evaluated using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). All assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention.
Results:
The yoga group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pulmonary function (FVC: +0.83 L, FEV1: +0.93 L, PEFR: +2.06 L/sec), psychological well-being (reduced DASS-21 and PSS scores), and quality of life (improved SGRQ scores). In contrast, the control group showed deterioration in all measured outcomes.
Conclusion:
Yoga appears to be an effective, non-pharmacological strategy to counteract the negative health effects of air pollution. These findings suggest that integration of structured yoga programs into public health interventions may be beneficial for populations residing in polluted urban environments.
Keywords:
Yoga, Air Pollution, Pulmonary Function, Psychological Health, Pranayama, Oxidative Stress, Quality of Life.
More Related Videos
07:10Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
09:33Visualizing Field Data Collection Procedures of Exposure and Biomarker Assessments for the Household Air Pollution Intervention Network Trial in India
Published on: December 23, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
01:14Steps in the Modeling Process
Attention is the first necessary component for observational learning. It involves focusing on what the model is doing and saying. For example, if you decide to take a drawing class to enhance your skills, you need to pay close attention to the instructor's words and hand movements. The characteristics of the model significantly...
01:23Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...