Respiratory endurance in asymptomatic smokers

Abstract

Introduction: Cigarette smoking is a significant health hazard and remains the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. The consistent practice of Pranayama and Om chanting has been shown to influence various body systems, particularly the respiratory system. This study aims to explore the impact of traditional techniques such as Alternate Nostril Breathing (ANB) and Om chanting on respiratory endurance in symptomatic smokers. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of pranayam and Om chanting on respiratory endurance. Materials and Methods: An interventional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India. The study spanned eight weeks and involved 100 participants, both male and female, aged 18 to 25 years, all asymptomatic smokers. Baseline measurements of anthropometric parameters and respiratory endurance parameters, including BHTi, BHTe, and the 40 mmHg test, were recorded at the beginning of the study and again after the eight-week intervention. Respiratory endurance was compared using the paired t-test. Results: Comparison of parameters of respiratory (BHTi, BHTe, and 40mmHg) were also found to be statistically significant (p-value < 0.001*). Conclusion: After the 8-week intervention, there was a significant improvement in all the measured parameters. Both Alternate Nostril Breathing (ANB) and Om chanting, as forms of yogic breathing, can serve as complementary alternative therapies alongside medication for individuals with chronic obstructive lung diseases.