| Titel: | The Effects of Pranic Breathing on Maximal Respiratory Pressures, Fatigue and Quality of Life of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis |
|---|---|
| Autor: | Harper, Elizabeth |
| Mediengruppe: | dissertation |
| Herausgeber: | --- |
| Zeitschrift: | Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering |
| Jahr: | 2009 |
| Band: | 70 |
| Heft: | --- |
| Seiten: | --- |
| Sprache: | English |
| Abstract: | The goal for this project was to find a sedentary activity that might provide to individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) some of the same benefits as aerobic exercise. Pranic breathing has been shown to offer benefits similar to aerobic exercise. Therefore, the purpose for this quasi-experimental study was to determine if participation in a biweekly "Pranic Healing Circle" for three months could enhance maximal expiratory (PEmax) and inspiratory (PImax) respiratory pressures, and improve measures of perceived fatigue (using a visual analog scale for fatigue and the FSS-9) and quality of life (using the MSQOL-54) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), when compared to those with MS who participated in a three month biweekly "Script Reading Workshop." Eighteen individuals (15 completed) participated in a "Pranic Healing Circle" and 9 individuals participated in the "Script Reading Workshop." Group activity sessions were held in two different towns, about 50 miles apart, in the same state. The "Pranic Healing Circle" protocol is used in the Integral Yoga tradition and includes, focused breathing exercises, chanting, meditation and sharing. The "Script Reading Workshop" included warm-up focusing exercises, readings from classic and contemporary plays, and improvisational games. Both activities were sedentary and met for one hour per session. All measures were assessed at baseline and at termination of the three months. Qualitative assessments were also taken during the three month period and at termination. Statistical analysis using RMANOVA showed no interaction effect in maximal respiratory pressures, fatigue or quality of life; yet, both groups improved significantly in PImax and in the "Mental Health" composite score of the MSQOL-54. Qualitative data supports this outcome. Some anecdotal physical outcomes support the use of additional physical objective measures when designing future studies using pranic breathing and chanting techniques with the MS population. In conclusion, participation in three months of "Pranic Healing" showed no unique benefits in maximal respiratory pressures, fatigue or quality of life when compared to "Script Reading." Both sedentary activities did, however, offer individuals with MS some of the same benefits often attributed to aerobic exercise participation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved) |