Effect of Pranayama (Alternative Nostril Breathing) on Physiological Outcomes among Elderly with Hypertension in Selected Old Age Homes at Mangaluru

Hypertension is a silent killer” is the indication of different cardiovascular disorders. Hypertensions become a greater global burden in the next 15 - 20 years. Hypertension is an important and growing major public health challenge in worldwide. If one believes that ‘old is gold’, then pranayama is quite effective and widely used to decrease blood pressure, respiration, pulse rate. Yoga is becoming most popular science due to its positive effects on health. Pranayama require inhaling and exhaling through alternative nostril selectively. When each respiratory cycle is completed through the alternative nostril, the practice is called Nadishodana pranayama, which means a ‘heat dissipating or cooling breathing practice’.

Aims of study: The present study has been carried-out to assess the effect of pranayama on hypertensive patients.

Material and Method: 60 hypertensive patients who were on regular treatment took part in the study. A baseline record (which served as control) of pulse rate/min, systolic blood pressure (mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) respiration were recorded. They carried out ANB for 5-15 minutes and all parameters were recorded again every 3^rd, 6th, 9th, 12th day. ANNOVA and unpaired t test was used as the statistical tool to analyse the acquired data.

Results: This study indicates that p value < 0.05 and BP, respiration, and pulse rate can be decreased. Hence, this technique can be used as a regular practice for combating the stress and strain of everyday life

Conclusion: The findings of the study showed that pranayama therapy was effective to reduce the physiological outcomes among elderly with hypertension