Abstract

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON LUNG VOLUMES AND CAPACITIES BETWEEN YOGIC AND NON-YOGIC POPULATION

Vimala Rani Swaminathan and Srihari Ramamoorthy*

Abstract

Yoga is a combination of art and science. Yoga was found to have many physiological effects especially on respiratory health. A Comparative study was done among 10 yogic and 10 non-yogic groups population to evaluate the effect of yoga on lung volumes and capacities. Yogic population was taught to practice pranayama techniques and asanas for acute period. Spirometer was used to record the volumes and capacities of lung. The study showed an significant increase in vital capacity, FEV1, MVV among yogic population and Non-yogic population showed normal vital capacity, FEV1 and maximum ventilator volume. Increase in lung volumes and capacities indicate that yoga improves the pulmonary capacity which can help in enhancement of ventilatory function.

Keywords: Yoga, pranayama, asanas, Spirometer, respiratory efficiency.