IMPACT OF YOGIC PRACTICES ON PULMONARY FUNCTIONS IN STUDENTS RESIDING IN AIR QUALITY SENSITIVE AREAS OF KANPUR CITY

Abstract

Context: Health risks linked to pollution are more common among persons, particularly
students living in urban areas with a low Air Quality Index. Under these circumstances, air
pollution aggravates allergic responses, causes inflammation, and compromises lung capacity.
Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effects of a yoga intervention on pulmonary function
indicators in students living in areas of Kanpur City with poor air quality.
Design and Methods: Fifty male students living in AQI-sensitive areas of Kanpur City and its
surroundings were meticulously selected and randomly allocated to the treatment and control
groups. Each group has 25 study participants. Pulmonary function measures were examined at
baseline and after the 12-week yoga session. The study data were examined using descriptive
techniques and covariance analysis.
Results: The findings of the study demonstrate notable enhancements in various respiratory
parameters. The results indicated significant improvements in Forced Vital Capacity (F=8.567,
p=.005), Forced Expired Volume in one second (F=6.647, p=.013), the FEV1/FVC ratio
(F=4.929, p=.031), Mid-Forced Expiratory Flow (F=8.991, p=.004), Peak Expiratory Flow
Rate (F=13.217, p=.001), and Breath Holding Time (F=55.536, p=.001).
Conclusion: Students in Kanpur City are coping with severe air pollution by using yoga
practices that enhance lung function. This promising study emphasizes the need to include
yoga-based treatments in public health initiatives to enhance respiratory health
comprehensively.