Effects of yoga on pulmonary parameters, posture, body awareness and quality of life among chronic smokers

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of yoga practice on pulmonary parameters, respiratory muscle strength, posture, body awareness, and quality of life among chronic smokers. This case-control study included 28 volunteers who were divided into the Smokers Group (SG)(n=14) and Control Group (CG)(n=14) according to Fagerström Cigarette Dependence Test (FT). All the participants did Yoga exercises, including active movements and poses while standing(Asana) and voluntarily regulated breathing(Pranayama) practice twice a week for six weeks. All the volunteers were assessed in terms of pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle strength, including Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP), using a spirometer and respiratory pressure meter, respectively. Moreover, Posture, body awareness, and quality of life were evaluated using the New York Postural Rating Chart (NYPRC), Thoracic Spine Range of Motion (TSROM), Body Awareness Questionnaire(BAQ), and World Health Organisation Quality of Life(WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire before and after interventions. The study results showed that yoga led to statistical differences in pulmonary functions, respiratory muscle strength, posture, and quality of life at the end of the study in both groups (p<0.05). Moreover, results showed that there is a statistical difference in MIP and MIP% values compared two groups (p<0.05). The change in MIP (CG: 26.57±16.18; SG: 13.64±9.17) and MIP% (CG: 29.02±16.47; 12.71±9.07) was higher at the end of the intervention in CG. Lastly, SG has statistically lower scores in FT (p=0.001). In conclusion, we might consider that Yoga training can improve pulmonary parameters, posture, body awareness, and quality of life in smokers. We may suggest that attending Yoga practice may slow the progression of problems caused by smoking and reduce nicotine addiction in chronic smokers.