The Impact of Yogic Breathing Exercises on Pulmonary Functions in Asymptomatic Smokers

Introduction Smoking is a serious public health problem that leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its harmful effects are more significantly seen in the respiratory system. Approximately 30% of smokers experience compromised lung functions. However, asymptomatic smokers exhibit alteration in lung morphology. This study will give us a better understanding of the respiratory damages that may occur in asymptomatic smokers and if we can delay or prevent the same by the simple practice of Pranayama and Om chanting. Materials and methods An interventional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary (SGT) University, Gurugram, Haryana, India. The study duration was eight weeks, and a total of 135 subjects, including both male and female participants aged between 18 and 25 years, were included in this study. Baseline recordings of anthropometric parameters, spirometric parameters like forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV) in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, forced expiratory flow (FEF) between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75%), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced inspiratory vital capacity (FIVC), peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) and for respiratory endurance - breath holding time at the end of inspiration (BHTi), breath holding time at the end of expiration (BHTe), 40 mmHg were recorded before the start of the study and again after eight weeks of alternate nostril breathing and om chanting performed for 10 minutes (5 minutes for each protocol). We also recorded nicotine dependence score with the help of Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). A comparison of spirometric parameters, respiratory endurance, and FTND was done using the paired t-test. Result All spirometric measures and respiratory endurance parameters showed significant increases, with the exception of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FTND, which showed no significant improvement. Conclusion Pranayama and Om chanting were found to increase respiratory muscle endurance and support better utilization of the alveolo-bronchial tree, which may help in better oxygenation and delay in onset of the symptoms of COPD.