Bhramari Pranayama - A simple lifestyle intervention to reduce heart rate, enhance the lung function and immunity

Effectiveness of video assisted teaching program of pranayama on selected physiological parameters among patients with COPD

BACKGROUND

According to research on the global burden of illness, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is expected to rank third globally in terms of cause of mortality in the first 20 years of the 20th century and fifth in terms of major cause of impairment. A thorough yoga program can enhance general well-being and respiratory function, which will improve a person's capacity to complete daily chores.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One group pretest and posttest design in a quasi-experimental study was applied. Collected 50 samples by usingnon-probability sampling method to collect data with the help of tool prepared by researcher. The present study was conducted from April 2022 to June 2023. Analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.

RESULTS

The comparison of pretest and posttest physiological parameters of COPD patients. At the 5% significant level, The Student's paired "t" test is employed, and the mean, standard deviation, and mean difference values are compared. For n = 50-1, or 4 degrees of freedom, the value was 2.00. At the 5% level of significance - a statistically acceptable level of significance - the computed oxygen saturation "t" value, or 29.69, the heart rate (7.16), respiratory rate (16.50), diastolic blood pressure (3.77), and walking distance (15.23), are all significantly greater than the value for general physiological parameters. Thus, the H1 is accepted for oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and distance in walking.

CONCLUSION

Moreover, the study findings highlight the need for ongoing education and outreach efforts to continue improving the health status of COPD patients. This paragraph say that the pranayama is effective in patient with COPD as it help in manageing the illnes and also to improve the lifestyle and also help to im prove the health status of the patient having any other illnesses. In addition, the Compassion of Pranayama and Yoga Pranayama shown effectiveness in daily lifestyle.

Effect of Yoga-based breathing practices on depression, anxiety, stress, and fear of COVID-19 positive hospitalized patients: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 infection has an impact on the mental state of patients and requires attention to mental health care.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of Yoga-based breathing practices on the mental state of patients with COVID-19.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with63 patients (male=46) who were RT-PCR positive for COVID-19 and hospitalized with asymptomatic (RT-PCR positive but no symptoms), mild (febrile, body ache, pharyngitis, nonproductive cough), and moderate (SpO2< 92%) symptoms assigned in the yoga (n=32) and control group (n=31). The study was conducted at Atharva Multispecialty Hospital and Research Center, North India. The yoga group received Yoga-based breathing practices twice a day for ten days in addition to conventional care, and the control group was advised not to do the practice. The Depression Anxiety and Stress scale (DASS-21) and fear of COVID-19 were assessed at baseline and after 10 days. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used to assess between and within subjects' effects.

RESULTS

The experimental group had better scores for depression, anxiety, stress, total DASS scores, and fear of COVID-19 (p<0.001) when compared with the control group. Within the group, analyses demonstrated improved scores in all domains in the yoga group (p<0.001) by the end of the intervention. In contrast, the control group improved only in stress scores (p=0.002), total DASS scores (p=0.012), and fear of COVID-19 (p=0.039). There are no adverse effects seen with Yoga-based breathing practices in these patients.

CONCLUSION

Yoga-based breathing practices have been found to have positive impact on mental health among COVID-19-positive patients during hospitalization.

TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER CTRI

CTRI/2022/03/041071 Clinical Trials-Registry in India.

Effects of Nadishodhana and Bhramari Pranayama on heart rate variability, auditory reaction time, and blood pressure: A randomized clinical trial in hypertensive patients

BACKGROUND

Hypertension (HTN) is a chronic elevation of arterial blood pressure (BP) due to environmental and lifestyle factors. The lifelong treatment protocol causes poor adherence to anti-hypertensive drugs. Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari pranayama are the most effective yogic treatment for the management of HTN.

OBJECTIVES

This study was done to assess and compare the immediate effect of Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari Pranayama on HRV and ART in hypertensive individuals. Thus, to understand the effectiveness of specific pranayama on hypertension.

METHODOLOGY

This study is a randomized, comparative study design. The hundred participants were recruited into two groups 1 (n = 50) and 2 (n = 50). The study was conducted on pre-diagnosed patients with HTN, from the inpatient department of SDM Nature Cure Hospital, Shanthivana. Group 1 was asked to practice Nadi Shodhana Pranayama and Group-2 was asked to practice Bhramari Pranayama for 20 min. The patients were assessed for Heart Rate Variability & Auditory Reaction Time before and immediately after the intervention.

RESULTS

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama showed a significant decrease in ART (p = 0.01) and Bhramari Pranayama showed a highly significant decrease in ART (p < 0.00001). Whereas there was no statistically significant difference in both the groups in HRV parameters.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that both Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari Pranayama can be effective in balancing the sympathovagal tone. Thus, Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari Pranayama can be practised for the management of essential hypertension.

Effect of Various Lengths of Respiration on Heart Rate Variability during Simple Bhramari (Humming)

Background

Heart rate varies during breathing and the heart rate variability (HRV) facilitates the autonomic homeostatic capacity. The maximum HRV was observed at around 10 s of prolonged respiration as per HRV biofeedback literature. However, there is a gap in understanding the variations in HRV by different respiration lengths during simple Bhramari practice.

Objective

To assess the effect of various respiration lengths (8, 10, 12, and 14 s) on HRV during the simple Bhramari (humming) practice.

Methodology

A total of 118 individuals (67 males, 51 females) signed up for the study based on convenience sampling at a wellness center. A randomized (simple permutation) within-subject crossover design with repeated measures was used to measure their HRV during the simple Bhramari practice. The results were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and paired samples t-test.

Results

The results indicate that, unlike the 10 s of respiration during HRV biofeedback breathing, maximum HRV during humming happens between 12 and 14 s of long breathing.

Conclusions

The unique findings of the study demonstrate the maximization of HRV between the respiration lengths of 12 and 14 s. Future work should explore expanding the research to a broader group of participants, including individuals with chronic conditions and other demographic variables and mantra chanting.

Humming (Simple Bhramari Pranayama) as a Stress Buster: A Holter-Based Study to Analyze Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Parameters During Bhramari, Physical Activity, Emotional Stress, and Sleep

Objective In this study, our goal was to understand the comparative impact of humming, physical activity, emotional stress, and sleep on several heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, including the stress index (SI), and to assess the effectiveness of humming (simple Bhramari) as a stress buster based on the HRV parameters. Methods This pilot study assessed the long-term HRV parameters of 23 participants in terms of four activities: humming (simple Bhramari), physical activity, emotional stress, and sleep. The single-channel Holter device measured the readings, and data was analyzed using Kubios HRV Premium software for time and frequency-domain HRV parameters, including the stress index. Regarding statistical analysis, single-factor ANOVA followed by paired t-test was used to compare the results of HRV parameters "during" the four activities to understand if humming generates the outcome to enhance the autonomic nervous system. Results Our findings revealed that humming generates the lowest stress index compared to all three other activities (physical activity, emotional stress, and sleep). Several additional HRV parameters also supported the positive impact on the autonomic nervous, equivalent to stress reduction. Conclusions Humming (simple Bhramari) can be an effective stress-buster based on the assessment of several HRV parameters during its practice and in comparison with other activities. A regular daily humming routine can help enhance the parasympathetic nervous system and slow down sympathetic activation.