Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess the effects of a 6-week nadi-shodhana pranayama  training on cardio-pulmonary parameters. A group of 30 male healthy subjects were selected from department of physical education (T), Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (Punjab, India), aged 18 – 24 years, volunteered to participate in the study.  Subjects were assigned into two groups: A (experimental: N-15) and B (control: N-15).  The subjects from Group A (experimental: N-15) were subjected to a 6-week nadi-shodhana pranayama training programme. This lasted 6 weeks and consisted of daily sessions, lasting 30 min. Heart rate was measured by counting radial pulse for a minute. Vital capacity was measured by spirometer. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured with the auscultatory method by using sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. Results showed that the vital capacity significantly improved (P<0.01) in experimental group compared with the control one. A significant decline in basal heart rate (P<0.01) and systolic blood pressure (P<0.05) was observed. In contrast, control subjects did not show any significant change in these parameters. ‘Nadi-shodhana Pranayama training programme may be recommended to improve vital capacity and control heart rate and blood pressure and may contribute to enhance health status and wellness.

Key words: Nadi-shodhana pranayama, heart rate, vital capacity, systolic, diastolic, blood pressure.