Effect of Vibhaga pranayama on cardiopulmonary functions in healthy individuals

Background: Lifestyle changes play a major role in the treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of cardiopulmonary disorders. Vibhaga pranayama in combination with other pranayamas has been shown to improve pulmonary function. However, no published study has explored the effects of only Vibhaga pranayama on cardiopulmonary functions either in healthy or in pathological conditions. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of Vibhaga pranayama on cardiopulmonary functions in healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy volunteers aged 20.17 ± 1.78 years were instructed to perform Vibhaga pranayama for the duration of 10 min. Assessments such as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, breath-holding time (BHT), peak expiratory flow rate, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, state anxiety, and state mindfulness were done before and following the intervention. Results: The result of the study found a significant increase in BHT ( P < 0.01) and state mindfulness ( P < 0.001), and a significant reduction in state anxiety ( P < 0.005), with no significant change in systolic blood pressure ( P < 0.440), diastolic blood pressure ( P < 0.601), and pulse rate (<0.198) after Vibhaga pranayama. Conclusion: Vibhaga pranayama may be useful in reducing state anxiety and in improving state mindfulness and BHT without affecting the cardiovascular functions.