Abstract:The purpose of the present study was to find the effect of pranayama practice on sleep, tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume and vital capacity.
Method: For this purpose, thirty male students studying bachelor degree in various departments of Govt. College Sampla, Rohtak, those who were not familiar with pranayama with the age group of 19 – 23 years were selected. They were divided into two equal groups, each group consisted of fifteen subjects, in which group – I underwent pranayama practices and group – II acted as control group who did not participate in any special training. The training period for this study was six days in a week for six weeks. The selected criterion variables such as, tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume and vital capacity were assessed by using the wet spirometer. The effect on sleep was observed based on the interviews with the participants.
Statistical Analysis: Prior to and after the training period the subjects were tested for tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume and vital capacity and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied as statistical tool.
Conclusion: It was concluded after the pranayama practices, that training group have significantly increased the level of tidal volume (inspiratory reserve volume and vital capacity (p>0.05) and pranayama should be continued with increased level to strengthen the lung muscles and to get desired results also the control group had sound sleep and better relaxation when compared with the other group.