RESUMEN
Background: It has been observed that regular practice of yogic postures (asana) and breathing exercises (pranayama) improves the airway dynamics of healthy persons. This can be helpful for reducing exercise-induced bronchial lability, and thus yoga and pranayama could be used as an effective management strategy for asthma. Objectives: The objective was to study the effect of 12 weeks of regular yogic practices on pulmonary functions and exercise-induced bronchial lability in asthmatic and healthy children. Objectives: The objective was to study the effect of 12 weeks of regular yogic practices on pulmonary functions and exercise-induced bronchial lability in asthmatic and healthy children. Materials and Methods: Thirty asthmatic children attending pediatrics outpatient department were enrolled as cases (Group I) and thirty apparently healthy children who were having no any family history of asthma were enrolled as controls (Group II). Both the groups were further divided into four subgroups namely Ia, Ib, IIa, and IIb (Groups Ia and IIa – not practicing yoga and Groups Ib and IIb – practicing yoga). The yoga groups (Ib and IIb) performed yoga regularly for 45 min daily for 12 weeks under the guidance of a yoga expert. Spirometry (lung volume and capacities as well as flow rates) along with exercise-induced bronchial lability testing was done at baseline and at 12 weeks in all participants. The responses to exercise were quantitated as the percentage rise and fall in the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) during and after exercise and Exercise Lability Index (ELI). Results: Group Ib (asthmatics, practicing yoga) had significant increases in vital capacity (VC), forced VC (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%), and PEFR and a decrease in percentage fall in PEFR and ELI at 12 weeks. Group IIb (healthy, practicing yoga) had highly significant increases in VC, FVC, and FEV1 and a significant increase in PEFR and a decrease in ELI at 12 weeks. Conclusions: By improving pulmonary functions and reducing exercise-induced bronchial lability, yoga helps asthmatics as well as healthy children to cope better with vigorous physical activities.
RESUMEN
Background: The cyclic hormonal changes during different phases of menstrual cycle are responsible for various physiological changes including its diverse role on reproductive organs. Their effects on extra-reproductive systems like airway dynamics and respiratory efficiency are very few in literature. Aim: To evaluate the effects of menstrual cycle on various parameters of lung functions and respiratory efficiency in young females. Materials and methods: 75 young non-pregnant females of age group 18-30 years were selected randomly for this study. Their menstrual phases were estimated based on menstrual history questionnaires and last date of menstrual bleeding, namely, menstrual, follicular and luteal. Their pulmonary function tests and respiratory efficiency was measured using computerized spirometer thrice in each phases of menstrual cycle. The various parameters evaluated were: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1st sec (FEV1), Maximum mid expiratory flow rate (MMEFR), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), 40 mm respiratory endurance test (RET), breath holding time after full expiration and maximum inspiration (BHT ex and BHT ins) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP). Results: FVC, FEV1, and MMEFR were significantly higher during the luteal phase as compared to menstrual and Follicular phase; whereas PEFR and MVV were significantly higher during the luteal phase as compared to menstrual phase only. On respiratory efficiency tests the BHT ex, BHT ins and MEP were significantly higher during the luteal phase as compared to menstrual and Follicular phase; also it was observed that BHT ex were significantly higher during the follicular phase as compared to the menstrual phase. Jasrotia RB, Kanchan A, Harsoda JM. Effect of menstrual cycle on pulmonary functions and respiratory efficiency. IAIM, 2016; 3(7): 233-238. Page 234 Conclusion: Respiratory efficiency and pulmonary functions parameters were higher during the luteal phase of menstrual cycle. Main reason behind this could be the progesterone hormones’ effect on respiratory apparatus, whose levels remains on higher side during the luteal phase.