RESULTS

Medication Usage

The results showed n reduction in the use of adrenergic inhalers in the yoga group. In the control group, none of the subjects reduced the use of the inhalers; instead, two of the six control subjects showed increased usage of adrenergic inhalers (Table III ). However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. There were no differences between the two groups regarding the use of theophylline preparations, inhaled steroids, or antihistamines.

Self-Report Analysis

The Weekly Symptom Questionnaire included 39 different questions relating to patients’ asthma, attitudes & emotions,and psychological functions. The post-weekly symptom score for severity (A-E) and frequency 1-5 were consolidated into one series of score on the basis of most frequent occurrence, over the weeks recorded. The difference between the pre and post study values were quantified individually by, giving the following weighted points to the quality of change:

Improvement in both the severity and frequency,	-	2 points
Improvement in either severity or frequency,	-	1 point
No change either severity or frequency,	-	0 points
Worsening in either severity or frequency,	-	1 point
Worsening in both severity and frequency,	-	2 Points

The average weight score for the yoga group (score 7.00) was much higher than for the 517, 1978. control group (score 1.75) (Table IV). However this difference was not statistically significant, based upon the Mann-Whitney test. The non- pulmonary weighted score was higher

Figure 4. Alternate Nostril Breathing - Nadi Suddhi Pranayama

in the yoga group compared to the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the pulmonary weighted score.

Respiratory Measurements

Peak expiratory flow rates were recorded daily (AM and at PM) for both the yoga and control groups throughout the study period. Analysis of the data revealed that there were no significant differences in the AM and PM peak flow rates between the groups (Table V). Table VI) shows (the mean FVC, FEV₁, and FMEF 25-75% readings recorded in both the yoga and control groups at baseline and at weeks 4 and 6. Both yoga and control groups showed no improvement in FVC, FEV₁, and FMEF 25-75% between weeks 4 and 6 of the study.

Table III

Medication Usage in Yoga and control Group


Table IV

Weighted Score of the Responses from Weekly Questionnaires


Table V

Peak Expiratory Flow Rates in Yoga and Control Groups