Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Pranayama (Yogic Breathing): A Systematic Review - PMC
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Int J Yoga<br>. 2020 May 1;13(2):99–110. doi: 10.4103/ijoy.IJOY_37_19
Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Pranayama (Yogic Breathing): A Systematic Review
Ranil Jayawardena<br>Ranil Jayawardena
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
2Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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1,2,✉, Priyanga Ranasinghe<br>Priyanga Ranasinghe
3Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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3, Himansa Ranawaka<br>Himansa Ranawaka
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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1, Nishadi Gamage<br>Nishadi Gamage
3Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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3, Dilshani Dissanayake<br>Dilshani Dissanayake
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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1, Anoop Misra<br>Anoop Misra
4Fortis-C-DOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology, Diabetes Foundation and National Diabetes Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation, New Delhi, India
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1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
2Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
3Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
4Fortis-C-DOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology, Diabetes Foundation and National Diabetes Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation, New Delhi, India
✉Address for correspondence: Dr. Ranil Jayawardena, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka. E-mail: ranil@physiol.cmb.ac.lk
Received 2019 Apr 26; Revised 2019 May 14; Accepted 2019 Aug 31; Issue date 2020 May-Aug.
Copyright: © 2020 International Journal of Yoga
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PMCID: PMC7336946 PMID: 32669763
Abstract
Background:
Pranayama (yogic breathing) has demonstrated numerous beneficial health effects. At present, there are no systematic reviews evaluating the beneficial health effects of pranayama alone as a practice.
Aim:
The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review about the beneficial health effects of pranayama.
Methods:
Data were obtained using a stepwise search process by searching the online PubMed, Web of Science, and SciVerse Scopus databases using keywords. Controlled clinical trials in humans, using “Pranayama” as an intervention with an appropriate control group and evaluating health-related outcomes were selected for inclusion.
Results:
Initial database searching indicated 669 potentially eligible articles, of which 18 studies satisfying the inclusion/exclusion criteria were selected. All were controlled trials, of which 13 were randomized and 1 was a crossover study. Number of participants ranged from 16 to 160, and the duration of pranayama practice varied from 4 days to 6 months. Studies demonstrated a significant effect on cardiorespiratory functions, in patients with bronchial asthma, with the improvement of pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, and respiratory function measurements. Furthermore, reduction in the frequency of attacks, severity, and medication requirement was also observed, with improved quality of life (QOL). In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, symptom, activity, and impact scores were improved. QOL improvement was also noted in cancer patients.
Conclusions:
Available evidence on pranayama indicates physiological and psychological benefits....