Combined Effects Of Buteyko And Paranayama Breathing Techniques For Cardiovascular Fitness And Quality Of Life Of Asthmatic Patients

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a long-term lung disease, which causes inflamed airways, which become swollen, narrow and produce excessive mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Buteyko and Pranayama breathing techniques are breathing re-education strategies that alleviate respiratory and other health problems through re-education of abnormal breathing habits or patterns like chronic dysfunctional over-breathing and entails controlling the breath in order to bring the mind, body and spirit into union. Aims and Objectives: The objectives and aims of the given research were to observe the outcomes of the combination of two breathing exercises (Buteyko and Pranayama) to enhance Cardiovascular fitness and Quality of life of asthmatic patients and to reduce hyperventilation. Material and Methodology: A quasi-experimental study was conducted including a convenient sample of 60 patients with history of asthma.  Baseline (pre-intervention) measurements were taken and the participants were then introduced to a four-month program of a structured breathing exercise program of a combination of the Buteyko and Pranayama to be performed on patients in both the public and the private Hospitals in Faisalabad. Training of the participants took 3 days and the participants were advised to perform the exercises 10 to 15 minutes twice daily along with conventional medical treatment.Oxygen saturation, Respiratory rate, Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale, Nijmegen Questionnaire, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Six-minute walk test were assessed for post-intervention measurements.Results: By using paired sample T test analysis through SPSS there is statistically significant improvement with p value of< 0.001 .                              

Conclusion: It was concluded that both breathing techniques were proven to be effective in cardiovascular fitness and quality of life of asthmatic patient.