<b>Ventilatory function in female practitioners of Hatha Yoga</b>. DOI: 10.5007/1980-0037.2011v13n4p279

• Main Authors: Cristina Martins Coelho, Thaíza Tavares Lessa, Lúcia Aparecida Martins Campos Coelho, Rafael da Silva Scari, José Marques Novo Júnior, Rosa Maria de Carvalho
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina 2011-08-01
• Series: Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria e Desempenho Humano
• Subjects: Respiratory function tests; Vital Capacity; Yoga.
• Online Access: http://www.periodicos.ufsc.br/index.php/rbcdh/article/view/1980-0037.2011v13n4p279/17900

Yoga is an ancient philosophic system that originated in India and whose main objective is the development of the union of mind and body through exercise, respiration and meditation. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of regular practice of Hatha Yoga on the respiratory function of healthy women. A controlled cross-sectional study was conducted on 25 female volunteers divided into two groups: Yoga (n=13) and control (n=12). The volunteers of the Yoga group had practiced Hatha Yoga for at least 6 months. The respiratory rate was counted over one minute. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were assessed with a manovacuometer. Axillary and xiphoid mobilities were assessed by cyrtometry. Chest expansion at the axillary and xiphoid levels was measured by cyrtometry. Forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow were assessed by spirometry. Significant differences between groups were only observed for respiratory rate and xiphoid mobility. In conclusion, regular practice of Hatha Yoga had a positive impact on respiratory rate and xiphoid mobility in the population studied.