Positive Health Online

Abstract

VEDANTHAN and colleagues, Northern Colorado Allergy Asthma Clinic, Fort Collins 80524, USA studied the therapeutic effects of yoga upon asthma .

Background

Methodology

17 adult asthmatics, university students from 19-52 years were randomly assigned into 2 groups: 1) yoga (n = 9) and 2) control (n = 8) groups. Breathing and relaxation techniques including breath-slowing exercises (pranayama), postures (yogasanas) and meditation were taught to the yoga group 3 times per week for a total of 16 weeks. All participants in each group kept daily symptom and medication diaries, performed AM and PM peak flow readings, completed weekly questionnaires and underwent weekly spirometry.

Results

The yoga group reported significantly enhanced relaxation, positive attitude and better yoga exercise tolerance, with a tendency toward decreased use of beta adrenergic inhalers . There was no significant variation in pulmonary functions between the yoga and control groups.

Conclusion

Yoga techniques are a beneficial adjunct to the medical management of asthma.

References

Vedanthan PK et al. Clinical study of yoga techniques in university students with asthma: a controlled study. Allergy Asthma Proc 19(1): 3-9. Jan-Feb 1998 .

Comment

As detailed in Yoga and Breathing Exercises for Asthma, Issue 25 (February 1998), yoga and breathing techniques have been shown to be extremely effective in preventing asthma attacks, as well as improving pulmonary function parameters.