Effect of yoga training on autonomic and lung function tests in normal young volunteers

Abstract

The term yoga comes from “Yuj” meaning to join, to bind, to assosciate with and so forth. Yoga and meditation have been studied all over the world to explore the possibility of it being used therapeutically and also research on higher dimensions. This study was conducted to assess the changes in autonomic and lung functions in young male student volunteers. Twenty six students in each group. Group I subjects were given yoga training for a duration of 8 weeks. Group II subjects served as control. Autonomic function tests involving Valsalva maneuver and deep breathing and pulmonary function tests viz. FEV1, FVC, PEFR, MVV, TLC and respiratory pressure measurements were performed before the start of the study. The recordings were also done 8 weeks later. Yoga training produced highly significant increase in VR, PEFR, MVV, MEP and MIP. FEV1 and FVC also increased significantly after yoga training. But these values showed negligible change in the control group. Increase in FEV1, FVC, PEFR was statistically significant. The increase in MIP and MEP was highly significant. The present study, in conclusion shows that yoga training for eight weeks improves the autonomic and lung functions.