Effects of Nadi-Shodhana Pranayama Training on Physiological Variables of Physical Education Students

INTRODUCTION

Yogic approaches generate continuous physiological improvements and provide a strong empirical base (Chhina, 1974; Udupa and Singh, 1972). There are few studies on the impact of different pranayams on body functions, such as yoga breathing (Pathale et al., 1978; Gopal et al., 1973). Yoga relates to the union of the human self with the collective self in metaphysical words (Hadi, 2007). Asana and pranayama have been integrated as the foundation of a medical treatment method alongside Ayurvedic medicine. Yoga respiration preparation selectively improves the breathing experience, possibly by its constant conditioning of the breathing rhythm (Florence et al., 2005). For thousands of years, Yoga has been studied. It is founded on ancient ideas of the relations between mind and body, insights and concepts. In order to look into the health effects of yoga-yoga postures (asanas), yoga breathing (pranayama) and meditation, extensive study has been carried out. This yoga practices can interfere with different somatic and neuro-endocrine pathways that produce therapeutic results (Malhotra and Singh, 2002). The overall efficiency of yoga techniques is considered to be enhanced (Upadhyay et al., 2008) and their impact on physical functions have been documented (Hadi, 2007). A research by Udupa et al. (1975) suggests that a decrease in basal sympathetic tone is induced by pranayama training. Yoga exercises may also be used as psycho-physiological triggers to enhance melatonin secretion, which, in fact, could be responsible for perceived well-being (Harinath et al., 2004). The science of breath management is yoga breathing, or pranayama. One of the yogic exercises, pranayama (breathing exercise), may produce multiple physiological responses in healthy individuals (Upadhyay et al., 2008). Raghuraj et al. (1998) stated that parasympathetic behaviour is stimulated by Nadi-shodhana pranayama. Slow and deep breathing has a soothing impact on the mind and helps to de-stress a person (Sandeep et al., 2002). Several research have shown the physiological and therapeutic effects of yoga (Selvamurthy et al., 1983; Bal and Singh, 2010; Bal, 2010). Ses findings have shown that routine yoga practice contributes to enhancements in physiological and

measures linked to health (Ross and Thomas, 2010) and, as a result, this research was undertaken to evaluate the impact on cardiopulmonary parameters of 6-week nadi-shodhana pranayama preparation.

The purpose of the present study was to find out the effect of Nadi-Shodhana pranayama practices on selected physical & physiological variables of physical education Students of a B.P.ED (Bachelor of Physical Education) and an M.P.ED (Master of Physical Education).

METHODOLOGY

For this analysis, 40 male subjects were chosen in total. 25 B.P.ED (Physical Education Bachelor) and 15 MP.ED. (Master of Physical Education) students from Selvam College of physical education, namakkal taken as sample. Their age ranged between 18-24 years. Variable Physical Measures 1. Cardio-vascular endurance. 2. Flexibility. Physiological Measures 1. Resting Pulse Rate 2. Vital Capacity 3. Peak Flow Rate Tests: Following tests were utilized for the present study:-

October When they join their usual classes in 2019. The researcher himself specializes in the pranayama program of Nadi-Shodhana. The subjects engaged in Nadi-Shodhana pranayama practices in the indoor hall five days a week, for a duration of just six weeks. The yoga teacher, prior to the administration of the program, provided the required guidance for the subject. Confidentiality of response was guaranteed. The required data in different components was collected from the students during first for morning classes. Aahper youth physical fitness test; and sit & reach test for measuring physical fitness variables organized at 1st, 2nd and 3rd day while physiological measurement were taken 4th day. Subjects engaged in the Nadi-Shodhana pranayama program after the compilation of pre-test scores on all selected variables. Nadi-Shodhana pranayama post-test was done after 6 weeks of selection and all data on all health variables was collected (as pre-test was collected).

STATISTICAL PROCEDURE

Review of the knowledge obtained from students of B.P.ED (Bachelor of Physical Education) and M.P.ED (Master of Physical Education), Mean and SD was computed. To find out the effect of Nadi-Shodhana pranayama practices on selected physical & physiological variables of students, ―t‟ test was applied. For testing the hypothesis the level of significance was set at .05 levels.

DISCUSSION AND FINDINGS

Table 1 shows the comparison of means of selected physical variables of pre test scores. 12 min. run & walk mean value of pre- test is 2578.4 And 2648.2. is the post-test. The pre-test value for versatility is 17.23 and the post-test value is 24.54.

Table 2 shows the comparison of means of selected physical variable of pre- test & post test mean pre-test value of the pack flow rate is 462.84 and the post-test value is 496.03.

The means of both chosen functional and physiological variables (cardio-vascular stamina, resilience, pulse rate, vital ability & peak flow rate) of students in physical education have major variations. Raub, (2002) stated that yoga will help regulate (2004) also stated that 3-month yogic activities culminated in cardio-respiratory efficiency enhancement. Joshi (1992) also stated that pranayama six-week courses enhance ventilator function in the form of reduced respiratory rate and increase in forced vital power, forced expiratory length, maximum voluntary ventilation, peak expiratory flow rate, and breath keeping time prolongation. Significant improvements in forced vital power, forced expiatory volume and peak expiratory flow rate, and the end of 12 weeks of yoga training, were also recorded by Yadav and Das (2001).

programme had significant effect on Cardio-vascular endurance, Flexibility, pulse rate, vital capacity & peak flow rate. Thus, such training may be recommended to improve physical and physiological fitness-based performance. The positive results found in the present study might apply to sports persons to improve physical and physiological efficiency. A few minutes practice daily may help in maintain healthy life. The daily practice could also be parts of physical fitness and life style modification programs in maintaining better physical and mental health.

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Assistant Professor, Shri Paranjotji Yoga College, Tirupur, Tamilnadu