A quasi-experimental study of the effects of yogic practices on pulmonary functions and exercise-induced bronchial lability in children with controlled asthma

ABSTRACT

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.