Yoga Research
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Yoga Research -
Yoga helpful in Bronchial Asthma
Study of pulmonary and autonomic functions of asthma patients after yoga training," by A.A.
Khanam, U. Sachdeva, R. Guleria and K.K. Deepak (Department of Physiology, All India Institute
of Medical Science, New Delhi) in Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oct. 24, 1996.

Abstract

"The concept of
yoga is helpful for the treatment of Bronchial Asthma", has created a great
interest in the medical research field. In order to investigate whether autonomic functions and
pulmonary functions are improved in asthma patients after short term yoga training, a study was
conducted with nine diagnosed bronchial asthma patients.

Yoga training was given for seven days in a camp in Adhyatma Sadhna Kendra, New Delhi. The
autonomic function tests to measure the parasympathetic reactivity (Deep Breathing test, Valsalva
Manouever), Sympathetic reactivity (Hand Grip test, Cold Pressure test), and pulmonary function
tests FVC, FEV1, PEFR, PIF, BHT and CE were recorded before and after yoga training.


The resting heart rate after yoga training (P < 0.05) was significantly decreased (89.55 +/-
18.46/min to 76.22 +/- 16.44/min). The sympathetic reactivity was reduced following yoga training
as indicated by significant (P < 0.01) reduction in DBP after HGT.

There was no change in parasympathetic reactivity. The FVC, FEV1, PEFR did not show any
significant change. The PIF (P < 0.01), BHT (P < 0.01) and CE (P < 0.01) showed significant
improvement.

The results closely indicated the reduction in sympathetic reactivity and improvement in the
pulmonary ventilation by way of relaxation of voluntary inspiratory and expiratory muscles. The
"comprehensive yogic life style change programme for patients of Bronchial Asthma" have shown
significant benefit even within a short period."