Impact of Hatha Yoga on the Airway Resistances in Healthy Individuals and Allergic Rhinitis Patients

There have been limited studies on Hatha yoga training as a complementary therapy to manage the symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis. The main Aim of the study was to check the impact of Hatha yogasanas on the Airway resistances in Healthy volunteers, a baseline data can be established and also to study the impact of Hatha yogasanas on the Airway resistances in Allergic Rhinitis patients in Bangalore, India. This is a prospective case series of 51 healthy volunteers (18 Males and 33 Females) Group 1 and 51 Allergic Rhinitis patients (18 Males and 33 Females) Group 2. The Objective analysis of the upper airway resistance was measured using a rhinomanometer and the lower airway resistance was measured using a spirometer. Then the subjects practiced specific Hatha yogasanas for three months. Then the airway resistance tests were again done at 3 months interval. The subjective analysis was done pre yoga and post yoga using the Short form-12 (SF-12) and Sino Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT) Questionnaires to assess the quality of life. The data was analyzed by doing a Paired (2-tailed) T Test, using SPSS (Software Package for Social Sciences) version 16. Total Nasal Airway Resistance pre yoga and post yoga in 51 healthy volunteers had significantly reduced at 150 Pa and the Forced Vital Capacity(FVC) pre yoga and post yoga had significantly increased,Forced Expiratory volume (FEV1) & % Residual standard deviation (%RSD) had increased but not significant. The Physical component score (PCS) and Mental component score (MCS) of the SF-12 health survey questionnaire had significantly improved with and the SNOT questionnaire score had significantly reduced. The Total Nasal Airway Resistance in 51 Allergic Rhinitis had significantly reduced at 150 Pa and the FVC pre yoga and post yoga showed increase but change was not significant, FEV1 pre yoga and post yoga had significantly increased, %RSD pre yoga and post yoga had significantly increased. The PCS and MCS of the SF-12 health survey questionnaire had significantly increased and the SNOT questionnaire score had significantly decreased. The scientific documentation of the impact of Hatha Yoga on the airway resistances can be an eye opener in the management of several other diseases of the airways.