Pranayama intervention on bone integrity of university level boys

Abstract

Background and Study Aim: The present study investigated the effects of 12-weeks pranayama intervention on bone integrity of university level boys. Material and Methods: We utilized a quasi-experimental design with sixty healthy volunteer boys (Mean ± SD: age, 23.78±1.14 years; body height, 169.52±5.44 cm; body weight, 68.59±10.03 kg) from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India. The subjects were divided into two groups: Group-A: Pranayama Intervention (PI); (n1=30) and Group-B: Control; (n2=30). The sample size (N=60) was calculated using the G*Power 3.1.9.7 software. A power of 0.80 (1-β err prob) and significance level (α) of 0.05. Subjects from both groups (pranayama and control) were assessed at baseline and right after 12-weeks. Group-A: (n1=30) subjected to PI and Group-B: (n2=30) with no training. Results:As compared Pranayama Intervention (PI) with the control one, the 12-weeks Pranayama intervention program had no effect on the PI group with respect to the parameter bone integrity. Conclusion:Our findings suggest that, while Pranayama training may offer benefits for overall well-being, it may not be as effective as Yogasana, weight-bearing, and resistance exercises in improving bone health. The results indicate that a 12-week Pranayama training regimen did not yield significant improvements in bone health markers, including BMD and bone turnover markers.