A Comparison between Yoga and Aerobic Training Effects on Pulmonary Function Tests and Physical Fitness Parameters

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to survey the effect of yoga and aerobic trainings on pulmonary and physical fitness factors of healthy female university students.

Methodology: This quasi-experimental study included 60 healthy female students who were randomly assigned into two groups; exercising yoga and aerobics twice a week for three months. Respiratory rate (RR) along with Pulmonary Function Tests such as pulmonary capacities (PEF, PIF, FEV1, FVC), and physical fitness factors including flexibility, balance, and maximal aerobic capacity (vo2max), were measured at baseline and after applying trainings. We used spirometery, sit and Reach, one leg balance stance, and Bruce treadmill protocols for evaluating these variables. The data were analyzed using student (T – test) at P < 0.05 significance level.

Results: Participants had a mean ±SD age of 19.02±2.19 years, height of 160.48±5.34 cm and weight of 56.7±10.7kg with no significant differences between the two groups. After training, in the yoga group; RR decreased, pulmonary and all physical fitness parameters except vo2max increased significantly (P < 0 .05). In the aerobic group; PEF and PIF increased significantly. There were no changes in RR, FEV1, FVC, however all physical fitness parameters improved significantly (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that yoga training can lead to significant improvement in most variables except vo2max. Therefore regular practice of yoga seems to improve health related aspects of physical fitness and may enhance wellness.

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.12669/pjms.291(Suppl).3524

How to cite this:Hovsepian V, Marandi SM, Kelishadi R, Zahed A. A Comparison between Yoga and Aerobic Training Effects on Pulmonary Function Tests and Physical Fitness Parameters. Pak J Med Sci 2013;29(1)Suppl:317-320.   doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.12669/pjms.291(Suppl).3524

 

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