Immediate Effect of Bhastrika pranayama on Critical Flickering Fusion Frequency among Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Controlled Study.
S Sadhana, S Suganthi, A Mooventhan, S Janani, C Vinodhini, A Rajiv Gandhi, M Karthicka, M Santhanam, K Kahlilsubramanian
International Journal of Yoga 2026 DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_34_25 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 60 |
| Population | Healthy individuals |
| Intervention | Bhastrika pranayama |
| Duration | Single session, immediate post-intervention assessment |
| Measures | critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) |
| Topics | Breathwork |
| Keywords | Bhastrika Cognitive function Yoga |
| Key findings | A single 5-minute session of Bhastrika pranayama did not improve cognitive function as measured by CFFF compared to normal breathing in healthy individuals. |
Abstract
Yoga, an ancient Vedic science, promotes unity through postures, breathing exercises, relaxation, and meditation. Bhastrika pranayama, also known as the "bellows breath," is a vitalizing practice that enhances air flow within the body, stimulates both gross and subtle aspects of the body and mind. It influences brain regions related to emotional processing, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, and has been shown to decrease anxiety and negative emotions. This study aims to evaluate the immediate effect of Bhastrika pranayama on critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) among healthy individuals. In this randomized controlled study, a total of 60 subjects were randomly allocated into either the study group (n = 30) or control group (n = 30). The study group underwent only one session of Bhastrika pranayama for 5 min, whereas the control group underwent normal breathing for the same duration. CFFF was assessed before and immediately after the intervention. The results showed no significant changes in CFFF between the study group and the control group (P = 0.32). Results suggest that the practice of Bhastrika pranayama for 5 min does not improve cognitive function compared to normal breathing in healthy individuals as measured by CFFF. Further research is needed to explore its short-term or long-term effects and potential applications in different populations.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on breathwork, most cited first.