“Pilot Investigation of the Effects of Yogic Vyāyāma on Pulmonary Function and Lumbar Flexibility in Defense Personnel”

Abstract

Background: Defense personnel are required to maintain high levels of physical fitness, respiratory efficiency, mobility, and functional readiness to meet the demands of military training and operational activities. Conventional physical training is an essential component of military preparedness; however, complementary practices that can improve physiological efficiency and flexibility with relatively low equipment requirements may have additional value. Yogic Vyāyāma, incorporating systematic physical movements, stretching, coordinated breathing, and selected yogic practices, may provide a practical approach for improving respiratory and musculoskeletal functions.
Objective: The present pilot investigation examined the effects of an 8-week Yogic Vyāyāma intervention on pulmonary function and lumbar flexibility among defense personnel.
Methods: A pilot randomized controlled design was adopted. One hundred defense personnel were allocated into an experimental group (n = 50) and a control group (n = 50). The experimental group participated in a structured 8-week Yogic Vyāyāma program, while the control group continued their routine physical activities without additional yogic training. Pulmonary function was assessed using Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), while lumbar flexibility was assessed using the Sit-and-Reach test. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were obtained. Within-group changes were examined using paired statistical analysis, while between-group differences were assessed using appropriate independent-group analysis.
Results: The experimental group demonstrated an increase in PEFR from 470.36 ± 38.24 L/min at baseline to 526.14 ± 36.51 L/min after the intervention. The control group showed comparatively minimal change, from 472.08 ± 37.46 L/min to 475.86 ± 37.93 L/min. Lumbar flexibility in the experimental group increased from 23.82 ± 3.84 cm to 29.48 ± 3.42 cm, whereas the control group changed from 24.10 ± 3.71 cm to 24.58 ± 3.60 cm. Within-group changes in the experimental group were statistically significant (p < 0.001), with large standardized effects for both PEFR (d = 2.12) and flexibility (d = 1.80).
Conclusion: The findings of this pilot investigation suggest that an 8-week structured Yogic Vyāyāma program may improve pulmonary expiratory performance and lumbar flexibility among defense personnel. The results provide preliminary support for incorporating appropriately designed yogic practices as a complementary component of physical-conditioning programs for defense personnel. Larger randomized controlled studies with comprehensive pulmonary-function testing, longer follow-up, and objective measures of physical and operational readiness are warranted.