Effects of Yogic breathing exercise on lung function among adolescent children in India

Background and Aim: Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) is a yogic breathing exercise based on rhythmic breathing patterns. In some schools in India, such yogic breathing exercises are practiced along with physical activities but they have been unexplored scientifically. We aimed to assess the effects of SKY on spirometry indices among adolescent school children in Pune, India. Methods: 235 students practicing SKY along with routine physical exercises (RPE) from one school (SKY group) were compared with 224 students engaging in only RPE from another school (RPE group). A questionnaire captured risk factors, personal details, physical activity and nutritional recalls. Spirometry was performed using an ultrasound flow sensor ndd as per ATS-ERS criteria. Results: Out of 459 children who performed spirometry, 446 were acceptable and considered for analysis. SKY group were 129Boys, 100Girls with mean age 14.8 ±0.6 years; and mean height 161 ±8.99cms; whereas RPE group were 110Boys, 107Girls with mean age of 14.4 ±0.8 years; and mean height of 160 ±9cms. Spirometry data was analyzed based on paired student t-tests (Fig.1). Conclusion: Students practicing SKY showed significantly better FVC, FEV1 and PEFR values supporting the beneficial role of yogic breathing exercises in adolescent school children.