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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 3, Issue 1, 2012 pp 05-08

Research Article

Effect of Combined Slow & Fast Pranayamic Breathing Exercises on Autonomic Nervous System

S. B. Jore¹, T. B. Bhutada², U.S. Patil³, S. V. Patil⁴, P. B. Gaikwad⁵

¹Assistant Professor, Dept. of physiology, B. V. D.U. M. C. & H. Sangli (MS) INDIA.

²Associate Professor, Dept. of physiology, G.M.C., Miraj(MS) INDIA.

³Professor, Dept. of physiology, B. V. D.U. M. C. & H., Sangli (MS) INDIA.

⁴Lecturer, Dept. of physiology, B. V. D.U. D. C. & H., Sangli (MS) INDIA.

⁵Tutor, Dept. of Physiology, Medical Sciences and Research Institute, Mayani.

Academic Editor:  Dr. Pawar D.D.

Pranayama is well known breathing exercise which is known to be improving cardiac autonomic status. This effect mainly depends on type & duration of Pranayama for which it is carried out.

Objectives - This study was undertaken to access the effects of both fast & slow type pranayama done for short duration on autonomic parameters.

Materials & Methods - The study was conducted on 60 healthy M.B.B.S. students. Pranayama practice was carried out daily for 12 weeks which included slow as well as fast breathing exercises. Autonomic nervous system parameters reading were taken before & after pranayama practice. The autonomic status was studied with non-invasive cardiovascular autonomic function tests which included Resting Heart Rate, Basal Blood Pressure, and HRV with deep breathing i.e. E: I Ratio, Cold Pressor Test.

Results - There was statistically significant decrease in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, rise of blood pressure after CPT, increase in E: I Ratio after 12^th week of Pranayama practice. Also there was decrease in diastolic BP, but this change was not statistically significant.

Conclusion - Thus results of study showed a significantly improved vagal tone and reduced sympathetic activity after pranayama training. Thus the regular practice of pranayama has beneficial effect on body as it reduces harmful effect of sympathetic nervous system on cardiovascular system. This can be applied in day today life to reduce incidence of stress related disorders mainly hypertension, stroke, peptic ulcer.