Role of Pranayama in Improving Respiratory Functions among Convalescent Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients
Lalitbhushan Waghmare, Roshan Jha, Ranjit Ambad, Avinash TaksandeBackground:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia represents the severe form of the infection where it is featured by bilateral involvement with marked diffuse damage to alveoli along with vascular congestion. Studies that evaluated pulmonary functions have highlighted compromised respiratory status in patients with COVID-19, even after recovery from the acute illness phase. Pranayama, the yogic practice, an important gift from the rich heritage of India, has been documented to have several benefits on the cardiorespiratory system and thereby reducing morbidity and mortality in patients at risk. The present study was conducted with an aim focused to investigate pranayama’s effect on the respiratory functions of convalescent COVID-19 patients.
Materials and Methods:
Pulmonary function test (PFT) test was performed in COVID-19 patients recovered from the acute phase of illness who regularly practiced pranayama (Group A) and participants who didn’t practice pranayama or other breathing exercises (Group B).
Results:
After the acute phase of illness in patient with COVID-19 recovered cases, PFT was performed, it was noted that the participants who regularly practiced pranayama (Group A) showed significant improved respiratory parameters in comparison to participants who didn’t practice pranayama or other breathing exercises (Group B).
Conclusion:
Present study concludes, it can be concluded that pranayama and other similar breathing exercises can improve respiratory function and can augment the process of recovery from illness. PFTs can be used serve an efficient tool for evaluating the respiratory function of COVID-19 patients, especially those who are either recovering/recovered from acute illness. It can serve as an effective, noninvasive tool for detecting respiratory pathologies in this group of patients.