THE IMPACT OF YOGA ON THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM IN 17–18-YEAR-OLD GIRLS

Abstract

Introduction. Current youth are increasingly exposed to various negative factors, including reduced physical activity, elevated stress levels, and a decline in overall physiological function, with a particularly notable impact on the respiratory system. Consequently, identifying effective methods to improve the health of university students remains a pressing concern. Respiratory exercises used in yoga have proven to be an effective means of enhancing overall well-being, increasing physical activity, and promoting adaptation to stress factors while being widely accessible. Objective. To assess the impact of breathing exercises practised during yoga on the functional state of the respiratory system in female students aged 17–18 years. Materials and Methods. The study involved 74 female students divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG, n = 36), which participated in yoga practice, and a control group (CG, n = 38), which followed the standard physical education curriculum. Assessment of respiratory system function included measurements of vital lung capacity (VLC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), breath-holding indicators (Stange and Genchi tests), and the calculation of the Skibinski index. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistica 6.0, with significant differences determined using Student’s t-test, the Mann-Whitney U-test, and the Wilcoxon test. The findings of the research. After eight months of yoga practise, the experimental group (EG) students demonstrated significant improvements in respiratory system parameters. Vital lung capacity (VLC) in the EG increased from 3343±42.88 ml to 3563±41.28 ml (p ≤ 0.05), indicating enhanced ventilatory capacity. A statistically significant improvement was observed in the VLC/non-forced VLC ratio, rising from 88.2±1.66% to 98.4±1.34% (p ≤ 0.05), suggesting an increase in the functional potential of the respiratory system. Breath-holding time in the Shtange test increased to 49.4±0.58 seconds, while in the Genchi test, it rose to 35.1±0.28 seconds (p ≤ 0.05), reflecting greater resistance to hypoxia due to improved tissue oxygenation and the adaptation of chemoreceptors and baroreceptors Conclusions. Regular breathing exercises within yoga practice significantly improves the functional state of the respiratory system in female students. The observed positive changes indicate enhanced adaptive capacity, strengthened respiratory muscles, and increased efficiency of gas exchange. These findings support the inclusion of yoga in physical education programmes as a means of promoting better health among youth.