Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: December | Volume: 7 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 84-90
Conditioning Effects of 8 Weeks Training in Yogic Breathing Maneuvers on Abdominal Muscles Thickness
Unnati Pandit1, Sujata Yardi2, Dnyanesh Pramod Patil3
1Director, 2Professor, 3Associate Professor, School of Physiotherapy, D Y Patil University, Navi Mumbai
Corresponding Author: Unnati Pandit
ABSTRACT
Background: Yogic Breathing Maneuvers (YBM) such as various forms of Pranayama and KapalabhatiKriya are known widely for its positive effects on the cardio- pulmonary and mental health. However, its role in improving abdominal muscle strength is yet unexplored. Abdominal muscles are known for its prime role in maintaining spinal stability, and prevention of mechanical low back pain. Abdominal muscles also have an important role in maintaining bronchial hygiene through forced expiratory mechanisms which may be affected due to muscles weakness observed following abdominal surgeries, spinal cord injuries, post pregnancy etc.
The reliability of Real Time Ultrasound in M mode is a proven tool for assessing the kinetic function of abdominal muscles and its thickness before and after rehabilitative intervention.
Objective: To study the effects of eight weeks of yogic breathing practices on thickness of Rectus Abdominis (RA), Transversus Abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO) and external oblique (EO) as assessed on Real Time Ultrasound in healthy young adults.
Methodology: The Abdominal muscle thickness of all the subjects were assessed using M mode of Ultrasound, before and after 8 weeks of training in various YBM.
Results: The thickness of RA, EO, IO, TrA, showed significant improvement after training in YBM, however, all muscles showed uniform changes.
Conclusion: The conditioning effect of YBM showed significant improvement and uniform changes in all 4 abdominal muscle thicknesses after eight weeks training in the healthy sedentary young subjects.
Key words: Yogic breathing maneuvers, Real time Ultrasound, Abdominal muscles