Comparative Study Of Yogic Breathing Exercise And Diaphragm Uplift Exercise In Early Swimmers

Abstract

Introduction: Swimming is a physically demanding sport that requires optimal coordination of respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. For beginners, one of the biggest challenges lies in limited lung capacity, reduced stamina, and early onset of breathlessness due to inefficient respiratory function. Enhancing lung function through targeted respiratory training can significantly improve swimmers' performance, especially in the early stages of learning. Yogic breathing exercises, rooted in ancient practices like pranayama, are known to enhance oxygenation and promote relaxation by improving thoraco-abdominal coordination. In contrast, diaphragm uplift exercises focus on strengthening the diaphragm and accessory respiratory muscles, thereby increasing inspiratory muscle power. Despite their potential, few studies have directly compared these two techniques in novice swimmers. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of yogic breathing and diaphragm uplift exercises in improving respiratory parameters in early swimmers.

Methodology: This interventional comparative clinical trial was conducted over six weeks and included 42 untrained swimmers aged 10 to 19 years, recruited through convenience sampling. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups of 21 each using computer-generated randomization. Group A received yogic breathing exercises (specifically Bhujangasana) along with low-resistance inspiratory muscle training (IMT), while Group B practiced diaphragm uplift exercises with the same IMT. Both groups trained five days a week. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using digital spirometry (to measure FEV₁/FVC), an inspiratory muscle trainer device (for inspiratory strength), inch tape (for chest measurement), and a pulse oximeter (for SpO₂ and pulse rate). Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained prior to the study.

Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in all respiratory outcome measures after six weeks (p < 0.0001). Group A demonstrated a mean increase of 1.84% in FEV₁/FVC, 2.97 cm H₂O in inspiratory muscle strength, 1.34 cm in chest measurement, and 2.27% in oxygen saturation. Group B showed even greater improvements with a 3.51% rise in FEV₁/FVC, 5.20 cm H₂O in inspiratory strength, 2.46 cm in chest measurement, and 2.49% in SpO₂. Despite these numerical differences, inter-group analysis revealed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) across the outcomes. However, the increase in inspiratory muscle strength in Group B exceeded the minimum clinically important difference (MCID), suggesting a clinically meaningful advantage for diaphragm uplift training.

Conclusion: Both yogic breathing and diaphragm uplift exercises are effective in enhancing pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle strength, and oxygen saturation in early swimmers. While statistical comparisons did not favor one technique over the other, diaphragm uplift training demonstrated greater clinical relevance in improving inspiratory muscle strength, making it a potentially superior choice for respiratory muscle conditioning in early swimmers.