Hatha Yoga: Effect On Lung Volumes Including Diffusion Capacity In Uncomplicated Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Abstract
Background: The science of yoga has its origin thousands of years ago. With prevailing unhealthy and stressful lifestyles, yoga is seen as both complementary and integrative approach to achieving better health. Today, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is an epidemic which is engulfing whole world at a very fast pace. In recent years, lung impairment has been seen in DM irrespective of drug therapy. It’s the dire need of the hour to devise a protocol that can actually slow down the progression of diabetes and hence, this study was done to evaluate the effect of yoga on lung functions in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Objectives: To assess the effect of hatha yoga on lung parameters including diffusion capacity in T2DM patients in comparison to conventional therapy alone. To compare lung functions in T2DM patients before and after yoga. Material and Methods: Randomized Control Trial was carried out with Sixty Uncomplicated T2DM patients (35-55 years of age) who were equally divided into YOGA and CONTROL group. CONTROL group received only conventional therapy including medication and restricted diet for DM while YOGA group underwent yoga along with conventional therapy for 8 weeks. Pre- and Post-study assessments of lung functions was done in both the groups. Statistical Analysis: Repeated measure ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. Results: YOGA group patients showed a significant (p-value<0.05) improvement in their lung functions post study. Conclusion: Yoga can be used as an adjunct to conventional treatment for DM, for improvement of pulmonary parameters and delay in complications of DM.
Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Yoga, Mind-Body Therapy, Lung Function Tests, Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity.