Effect of pranayama breathing technique on asthma control, pulmonary function, and quality of life: A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of pranayama on asthma control, pulmonary function, and quality of life in people with asthma.

Methods: Pranayama was applied to the pranayama group for 20 min once daily for 1 month, and relaxation was applied to the relaxation group similarly in addition to the standard treatment. The outcome measurement tools used were the Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), pulmonary function test (PFT), and patient observation chart.

Results: The pranayama group had significantly higher ACT score, overall AQLQ score, and subscale scores than the relaxation group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of PFT parameters and peak expiratory flow values (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Pranayama improved asthma control and asthma-related quality of life in people with asthma, but it did not show a significant difference in PFT values.

Keywords: Asthma; Asthma control; Breathing exercise; Quality of life; Yoga.