Year: 2026 | Month: July-September | Volume: 11 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 92-96
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20260311
Immediate Effect of a Short-Term Yoga-Based Intervention on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate among Healthy Adults: An Age- and Gender-Wise Pre–Post Analysis
Seemi Retharekar1, Rajkiran Tiku2, Anjali Sharma3, Kshitija Ghole4
1Principal, 2Professor, 3Associate Professor, 4Assistant Professor,
Suryadatta Institute of Health Sciences-College of Physiotherapy Pune
Corresponding Author: Rajkiran Tiku
ABSTRACT
Background: Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a simple and reliable indicator of pulmonary function and airway performance. Yoga-based interventions incorporating breathing exercises, postures, and relaxation techniques have been reported to improve respiratory function; however, evidence regarding their immediate effects in healthy individuals across different age groups and genders remains limited. This study evaluated the immediate effect of a short-term yoga-based intervention on PEFR among healthy adults participating in a community-based World Yoga Day program.
Methods: A prospective single-group pre–post observational study was conducted among volunteers attending a World Yoga Day event. Of the 110 participants enrolled, 93 (28 males and 65 females) with complete data were included in the final analysis. Participants underwent a supervised 60-minute yoga session comprising warm-up exercises, yoga postures, pranayama, diaphragmatic breathing, light aerobic stretching, and relaxation. PEFR was measured before and immediately after the intervention using a standardized peak expiratory flow meter, and the best of three readings was recorded. Paired t-test was used to compare pre- and post-intervention values, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results: The mean PEFR increased significantly from 354.4 ± 140.8 L/min before the intervention to 376.1 ± 137.0 L/min after the session (mean difference: 21.7 L/min; p<0.001; Cohen's d=0.49). Significant improvements were observed among female participants (p<0.001) and participants aged ≤30 years (p<0.001), whereas changes among males and older age groups were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: A single supervised 60-minute yoga session was associated with an immediate improvement in PEFR among healthy adults, with greater benefits observed in younger participants and females. These findings suggest that short-term yoga-based practices may provide immediate respiratory benefits and support their integration into community health promotion initiatives. Further controlled studies with larger samples and long-term follow-up are warranted.
Keywords: Yoga; Pulmonary Function; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Respiratory Function Tests; Breathing Exercises; Community Health Promotion.