Publication:

Effect of anuloma viloma pranayama on cardiorespiratory parameters in apparently healthy young adults

Background Alternate nostril breathing (anuloma viloma pranayama) has been reported to influence autonomic balance and improve cardiorespiratory function. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of regular anuloma viloma practice on selected cardiorespiratory parameters in healthy young individuals.

Methods This study was carried out in the department of physiology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, after institutional ethics committee approval. A total of 52 apparently healthy young adults aged 18-26 years with BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m2 were enrolled. Participants were divided into two groups. During the experimental phase, subjects practiced anuloma viloma for 10 minutes daily for 4 weeks, while the control phase involved no breathing intervention. Pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and PEFR were assessed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 21.0.

Results Baseline cardiac and respiratory parameters of both groups were comparable. After intervention, group A showed significantly lower pulse rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure compared with group B. PEFR was significantly higher in the intervention group.

Conclusions Regular practice of anuloma viloma pranayama produced favourable cardiorespiratory changes in apparently healthy young adults, with reduction in pulse rate and blood pressure, along with improvement in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).