Abstract

Background: Pranayama practice has been shown to have a positive impact on respiratory functions. There is a lot of research documenting the long-term effects of pranayama training, but there are few studies documenting the immediate impact of pranayama on bodily processes.

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether practicing pranayama has any short-term effect on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).

Materials and Methods: For this study, a total of 60 male high school teachers were enlisted. There were two groups made out of the participants: One was the study group, and the other was the control group. For 8 weeks, the study group was required to do Kapalbhati pranayama. In both groups, the PEFR was measured. For statistical analysis, a Paired t-test was used, and P < 0.05 was considered the level of significance.

Results: After 8 weeks, a substantial rise in PEFR was seen in the study group.

Conclusion: An increase in PEFR indicates that lung function has improved. This might be because Kapalbhati pranayama trains the respiratory apparatus to empty and fill more fully and effectively.

Key words: Kapalbhati Pranayama; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Healthy Individuals