Author(s): Indranil Manna

Abstract:
The present study was aimed to find out the effects of yoga on body composition and cardio-pulmonary functions on healthy female volunteers. For this purpose ninety two healthy female volunteers (age 18–20 yrs.) were screened randomly from Midnapore District, West Bengal, India. All the volunteers went through a medical examination performed by Physicians. Thirty two volunteers were excluded and the remaining sixty (n=60) volunteers were randomly divided into two groups: (a) Yoga Group (n=30) and (b) Control Group (n=30). Yoga training-60 min/d, 06 d/wk for 12 wk was followed in yoga group with no yoga training in control group. Significant reduction (P<0.05) in body fat, body mass, SBP, RHR and RR; and increase (P<0.05) in FVC, FEV1, PEFR, MVV and BHTwere noted in the yoga group after 12 weeks of yoga training when compared to baseline data. Further, the control group had significantly (P<0.05) higher body fat, total fat mass, body mass, SBP, RHR and RR; and (P<0.05) lowerFVC, FEV1, MVV and BHT when compared to yoga group after 12 weeks of study. It can be suggested that yoga practice may reduce body fat and the chance of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

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