IMPACT OF SHORT TERM BREATHING EXERCISE ON BREATH HOLDING TIME

Background: Breath holding time is the time taken by the subject to hold his breath as long as he can. During voluntary breath holding, tissues continue to utilize oxygen and liberate carbon dioxide. The point at which breathing can no longer be voluntarily inhibited is called the breaking point that is generally reached when alveolar pO2 is 56 mm of Hg and alveolar pCO2 is 49 mm of Hg.[1] According to Guinness World Records Aleix Segura Vendrell of Barcelona, Spain, set the bar high at 24 minutes and 3 seconds in February 2016. The practice of pranayama / slow and deep breathing exercise . reduces the dead space ventilation and renews air throughout the lungs in contrast to only base of the lung in case of shallow breathing. Pranayama also prolong BHT and ventilatory function of the lung. [2] Aims& objective: to know the imact of short breathing exercise on breath holding time among persons of age between 18 to 40. Study design: Cross sectional study Methods: Among 45 subjects of age between 18 -40 years BHT Was measured before exercise and after short term practice of deep breathing exercise. Result: Breath holding time was increased In maximum subjects. It was increased to 46 sec in male population and 44.3 sec increase in female subjects. Average increase in Breath holding time was 15.84 sec while it was 12.25 sec in male and 11.56 sec in female. Conclusion: A regular practice of yoga /breathing exercise can be useful in increasing the ventilatory functions . However a short practice of deep breathing exercise can enhance the BHT so for the medical procedures where we need arrest of respiration for more time this practice can be advised to patient before commencing the procedure.