The Effect of Pranayama Breathing Technique on Asthma Control, Pulmonary Function and Quality of Life

The Effect of Pranayama Breathing Technique on Asthma Control, Pulmonary Function and Quality of Life: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Most of the asthma patients prefer complementary and integrative applications as they continue to experience asthma symptoms despite pharmacological treatment. Pranayama, one of these treatments, is a breathing-based technique and is a part of yoga, an ancient Indian science. This study was carried out as randomized controlled single blind study in order to analyze the effect of pranayama breathing technique applied to individuals suffering from asthma on asthma control, pulmonary functions and quality of life. The study comprised 50 patients in total, as 25 patients in pranayama group and 25 patients in control group. The approval of ethics committee, permissions from the institutions, and informed voluntary approval of the individuals were obtained to conduct the research. The data of the research were collected through the application of Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), pulmonary function test (PFT), and patient observation chart. Pranayama breathing technique was applied to pranayama group 20 minutes once a day for four weeks, and relaxation technique was applied to relaxation group similarly in addition to standard treatment. ACT, AQLQ, and PFT were evaluated twice as before and after the one month of application process. Meanwhile, the patients' PEF measurements were followed with individual PEF meter on daily basis. The value of p<0.05 was accepted statistically significant in the data analyses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Can communicate,
• To have an increase of %12 or 200 ml in FEV1 value after inhaler bronchodilator at breathing function test,
• To have chronic asthma diagnose with 6 months approved by doctors and receiving treatment,
• Asthma controls are not under control or partly under control in relation to GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) values,
• Taking beta2-agonist and/or ICS twice a week or more to control asthma symptoms,
• There is not any chance in inhaler bronchodilator drug potions during the last four weeks,
• Can use a smart phone.

Exclusion Criteria:

• To have lung diseases such as COPD,
• To have tuberculosis and respiratory infection,
• To have diabetes and coronary artery disease,
• Smokers
• Pregnant or nursing mother,
• Doing regular exercise,
• Benefitng from other complementary and integrative health applications during treatments