The study of the effects of 12 weeks of yoga training on respiratory pressures and 40 mm Hg test in healthy individuals

Background: Yogic exercises have been found to be beneficial for better maintenance of bodily functions even in normal healthy subjects. In view of this, present study was planned to evaluate the effect of Yoga on respiratory pressures and 40 mm Hg test in healthy individuals. Method: The present study included 80 healthy subjects (40 males, 40 females) of 30-40 years age group. Subjects fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria attended a minimum of five Yoga classes per week for a period of twelve weeks. Age, height, weight & BMI of the subjects were recorded. The maximum expiratory pressure, maximum inspiratory pressure and 40 mm Hg test were analysed before & after twelve weeks of Yoga practice. The same subjects were chosen as both study as well as control group in order to minimize the confounding factors and make the study more reproducible. Student’s paired‘t’ test was used to compare the changes in parameters before and after Yoga training. Results: On analysis of results, there was highly significant (p<0.001) increase in maximum expiratory pressure, maximum inspiratory pressure and 40 mm Hg test after twelve weeks of Yoga practise. The response was similar in both the genders. Conclusion: Present study proved that regular practice of Yoga for minimum of 12 weeks is beneficial in improving respiratory pressures and 40 mm Hg test in normal healthy individuals and this improvement is appreciable in both genders. Results of the study would justify the incorporation of Yoga as part of our lifestyle in promoting health. Also Yoga can make an appreciable contribution to primary prevention and management of lifestyle diseases.