Author(s): Nimai Chand Masanta

Abstract:
Environmental pollution, rapid industrialization, overcrowding, sedentary lifestyle due to massive use of software technology, situational stress and anxiety are main responsible factors for deterioration of human physical health. Also prevalence of obesity in developing countries is believed to be on the rise. This requires special and specific techniques to transcend the limits of our physical and mental abilities experienced in everyday life. With increased awareness and interest in health and natural remedies, breathing techniques (Pranayamas) are gaining importance and becoming acceptable throughout the world. A total of thirty eight (38) middle aged sedentary women were selected as subjects in this study from different Yoga Training Institutions and Laughing Clubs of Paschim Medinipur district. They were divided into experimental and control groups, each group containing nineteen (19) subjects. To investigated the benefit of selected Pranayama techniques only the experimental group was asked to perform Kapalbhati, Anuloma Viloma and Bhramari Pranayama techniques for the duration of twelve (12) weeks. The selected physiological characteristics were resting respiratory rate, vital capacity, peak expiratory flow rate, resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and body fat percent were measured by their respective standard tests. All physiological characteristics were assessed just before and after twelve (12) weeks in both the groups. Data was analyzed using SPSS, (Version 20.0) software. The level of significance chosen was 0.05. To compare between the mean scores of pre and post-test of the both groups Independent Sample t-test was applied. From the findings of the study it may be concluded that resting respiratory rate, vital capacity, peak expiratory flow rate and systolic blood pressure were significantly improved as compared to that of control group. Insignificant between the group differences were noted in resting heart rate, diastolic blood pressure and body fat percent. From the findings of this study we concluded that Pranayama techniques may be recommended to improve the selected physiological characteristics of middle age sedentary women for their economic and productive life style.

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