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Pranayama Research Study

The Impact of Respiratory Exercises Incorporating Breath Retention on Lung Health in Healthy Athletes : A Pilot Study

by Ashley Franco

During my Doctorate program at The Ayurvedic Institute, I conducted a Randomized Control Trial in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It catered around a specialized set of routine with breathing exercises which incorporated breath retentions throughout. Focusing on healthy athletes and how that affected their overall lung capacity. This sequence was carefully crafted together using both Ayurvedic and Yogic wisdom. Using an integrated approach from both Shri Yogi Hari with Sampoorna Yoga, as well as Vasant Lad’s clinical approach with pranayama.

Below is the Abstract to the thesis paper.

Enjoy! 

Hari , S. Y. (2021). Chapter 8 / Kundalini Yoga . In Sampoorna Hatha Yoga : A Step – By – Step Guide To Enlightenment (1st ed., p. 322). essay, Sampoorna Yoga, Inc.

ABSTRACT 

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of breathing exercises with breath retention on lung health and overall lung capacity in healthy athletes. It was a randomized control trial where modern non-invasive tools were utilized to measure primary and secondary outcomes. The primary outcome was assessed using the Maximal Oxygen Consumption Test (VO2 Max Test), which measures the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during maximal exercise. Secondary outcomes included Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1), Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and heart rate.

Participants included healthy adult athletes aged 20-40 years who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 13 participants completed the study out of the initial 20, with a mix of male and female athletes from various disciplines.

Participants in Group A underwent a 6-week breathing exercise routine, while Group B followed their regular athletic training and upkeep. Measurements were taken before and after the trial period.

The results showed that the breathing exercise routine had a significant positive effect on the primary measurement in Group A, as indicated by a p-value of less than 0.05. As well as the FEV1 part of the secondary measurement that also indicated a p-value of less than 0.05. However, the comparison between Group A and Group B did not yield significant results, likely due to the small number of participants and incomplete data.

While limitations such as participant dropouts and injuries affected the study, the findings suggest that breathing exercises with breath retention can positively impact lung health in healthy athletes. Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to validate and expand upon these preliminary findings. Additionally, incorporating an Ayurvedic approach in future studies could provide valuable insights into the holistic aspects of respiratory health.

Interested in reading more, we would love to share the entire paper with you via your email address