Clinical Study of Yoga Techniques in University Students with Asthma: A Controlled Study

A 16-week program of breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation, taught three times a week, led to greater relaxation, a more positive attitude, and better exercise tolerance in adults with asthma compared to a control group. There was a trend toward less use of rescue inhalers among those who practiced yoga. However, lung function measurements did not differ significantly between the yoga and control groups. The findings suggest yoga techniques can be a helpful addition to standard medical care for asthma.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Adult asthmatics, ranging from 19 to 52 years from an asthma and allergy clinic in a university setting volunteered to participate in the study. The 17 students were randomly divided into yoga (9 subjects) and nonyoga control (8 subjects) groups. The yoga group was taught a set of breathing and relaxation techniques including breath slowing exercises (pranayama), physical postures (yogasanas), and meditation. Yoga techniques were taught at the university health center, three times a week for 16 weeks. All the subjects in both groups maintained daily symptom and medication diaries, collected A.M. and P.M. peak flow readings, and completed weekly questionnaires. Spirometry was performed on each subject every week. Analysis of the data showed that the subjects in the yoga group reported a significant degree of relaxation, positive attitude, and better yoga exercise tolerance. There was also a tendency toward lesser usage of beta adrenergic inhalers. The pulmonary functions did not vary significantly between yoga and control groups. Yoga techniques seem beneficial as an adjunct to the medical management of asthma.