| Abstract: |
The present study explores the effect of a structured yoga intervention on pulmonary function and quality of life among students. In today’s context, many students lead sedentary lifestyles and are exposed to academic stress and increasing environmental pollution, which may negatively affect respiratory health even in otherwise healthy individuals. Yoga, especially practices such as pranayama and simple postures, has been widely recommended as a safe and low-cost method to improve breathing efficiency and overall well-being. Hence, the study aimed to examine whether regular yoga practice could bring measurable changes in lung function and perceived quality of life. A quantitative pre–post experimental design was adopted with experimental and control groups. Pulmonary function was assessed using peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), and quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL scale. Within-group analysis showed significant improvement in PEF and FEV₁ among students who practised yoga, whereas the control group showed no meaningful change. Between-group comparisons also indicated greater gains in pulmonary parameters in the yoga group. However, no significant differences were observed in quality of life scores. Overall, the findings suggest that regular yoga practice can improve respiratory efficiency among students, although short-term intervention may not be sufficient to influence perceived quality of life. Yoga may therefore be considered a simple and practical strategy for promoting pulmonary health in young adults. Future studies with longer duration are recommended. |
