Effect of Deep Breathing on Respiratory Parameters in Healthy Young Individuals

Context: Breathing is the most vital function for maintenance of life. Slow and deep breathing is an integral part of Pranayama and it reduces dead space ventilation and renews air throughout the lungs. The reported beneficial effects of deep breathing as a part of either long term or short term practice of pranayama on pulmonary functions are well documented. However our knowledge about the effects of deep breathing on human respiratory parameters is poor. In the present study, we examined the relationship between exposure to deep breathing and performance on Respiratory parameters before and after the deep breathing. Aim: The present study was done to evaluate the effect of deep breathing on respiratory parameters. Settings & Design: The present study was a comparative prospective study consisting of 30 male healthy subjects of 18-20 years age. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of physiology, Adichunchanagiri institute of medical sciences, Mandya after the institutional ethical clearance and written consent from each participant. The participants were asked to perform deep breathing. The duration of the study was twelve weeks. Pre and post deep breathing respiratory functions were assessed by measuring respiratory rate, chest expansion and breath holding time. The parameters were analyzed by Student't' test and p<0.05 was considered the level of significance. Results: There was significant decrease in respiratory rate, and significant increase in chest expansion and breath holding time compared to pre deep breathing practice. Conclusions: This study showed beneficial effects of deep breathing on respiratory functions in normal healthy individuals.