Introduction: The act of modulating breath is practised for years in Indian culture. Yogic breathing is believed to increase tidal volume, diaphragmatic excursion, and ventilation efficiency. 'Om? Chanting, a slow breathing exercise may have a beneficial effect on the respiratory muscle endurance indirectly, by its positive effects on respiratory mechanics.
Objectives: To study the effect of ?Om? chanting on respiratory muscle endurance.
Methods:
Respiratory endurance baseline parameters such as Blast Test, 40mmHg test, and Breath Holding Time ( BHT) were measured in 63 healthy volunteers (aged between 18 ? 50 years). The subjects were trained and then subjected to 5 minutes of daily ?Om? chanting for 4 weeks and the parameters were recorded again. The parameters (before and after) were compared using paired t-test.
Results:
Statistical analysis showed increase in measurements of all the given parameters of respiratory endurance after ?Om? Chanting .
Comparison of respiratory endurance parameters before and after daily 04 weeks of 'Om? Chanting.
| Variables | Baseline Parameters before 'Om Chanting' | After 4 wks of regular 'Om Chanting' | P- Value | Significance |
| BLAST TEST(mmHg) |
66.98 | 75.64 | 0.00000 | Highly significant |
|
40mmHg Test ( seconds) |
15.61 | 20.75 | 0.0001 | Highly significant |
| BHT( After full inspiration in seconds) |
36.01 | 44.67 | 0.00001 | Highly significant |
| BHT (After expiration in seconds) | 27.77 | 35.24 | 0.00001 | Highly significant |
Conclusion:
'Om' chanting may help in prevention, control and rehabilitation of respiratory disorders by improving respiratory endurance. It may be used for patients who are non- compliant to vigorous cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation exercises.