The effect of eight weeks of laughter yoga training on cardiorespiratory Indices in adolescent girls aged 13 to 15 in Shahrekord

Background and Objective: Adolescence is a pivotal stage in the development of physical and mental health. Mind-body interventions, such as laughter yoga, have garnered increasing attention as innovative methods for enhancing overall well-being, particularly in the context of improving cardiorespiratory function. This study examined the impact of an eight-week laughter yoga intervention on the cardiorespiratory performance of adolescent girls. Methods: This semi-experimental study utilized a pretest–post-test control group design conducted during the 2023–2024 academic year. A total of 64 female students aged 13–15 years from Shahrekord were randomly allocated to an intervention group (laughter yoga) or a control group. The intervention comprised 16 40-minute laughter yoga sessions. Cardiac, pulmonary, and metabolic indices were assessed pre-and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with a significance threshold of p<0.05. Resultss: In the intervention group, significant reductions were observed in fasting blood sugar (p = 0.001), triglyceride (p = 0.003), total cholesterol (p = 0.002), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.003), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.041), and heart rate (p = 0.002) levels. HDL levels were significantly increased (p = 0.027). Regarding cardiac function, the stroke volume (p = 0.031) and cardiac output index (p = 0.004) showed significant improvements. In terms of respiratory indices, FEV1 (p = 0.015), FEV1/FVC (p = 0.035), and FEF25–75% (p = 0.002) significantly increased, while forced expiratory time (FET) decreased (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Laughter yoga may be considered a calm, accessible, and non-pharmacological approach to enhancing cardiorespiratory and metabolic health in adolescent girls.