ABSTRACT
Reaction time has physiological significance and is a simple and non – invasive test for peripheral as well as central neural structures. And the reaction time is influenced by different factors. The purpose of this study was to find out whether the reaction time was faster for high pitch auditory or low pitch auditory stimulus. In this study auditory reaction time (ART) was studied in 125 male & 125 female medical students in the age group of 17-20 years. Subjects were presented with two auditory stimuli i.e. High & Low pitch sound stimuli. Paired and unpaired ‘t’ test was used at appropriate places as a statistical test. The p value <0.05 was considered significant. The reaction time to low pitch sound stimuli was significantly lower than to high pitch sound stimuli in both sexes. Auditory reaction time in females was significantly higher compared to males
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Rapid industrialization, environmental pollution and overcrowding gradually deteriorate the ventilatory ability or functions of human beings. This requires special and specific breathing techniques to transcend the limits of our physical and mental abilities experienced in everyday life. Hence, in the present study, the beneficial effect of pranayama with reference to respiratory rate and breath holding time was studied. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in the department of Physiology, Seth G.S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai after the institutional ethical clearance and written consent from each participant. The participants were divided into control and study groups with 45 members each of both the sexes at the age group of 20±2 years. The study group was asked to perform Kapalbhati, Anulom Vilom, Bhramari and Udgeeth pranayama. The duration of the study was eight weeks. The respiratory rate and breath holding time in both the groups were recorded and analysed for statistical significance using students ‘t’ test and p<0.05 was considered the level of significance. Result: In study group, the respiratory rate was decreased significantltly (p=0.000) whereas the breath holding time was increased significantly (p=0.000) when compared to that of control group. Discussion and Conclusion: Pranayama increases the overall capacity of lungs and gradually improves the ventilatory functioning of lungs. Due to proper working of these organs, vital energy flows to maintain the normal homeostasis of the body and thus it helps for prevention, control and rehabilitation of many respiratory diseases.