Effect Of Anulom Vilom Pranayam On Visual Reaction Time In Young Adults Of Indian Population

Reaction time, an indirect but reliable index of the processing ability of central nervous system, is significantly correlated to changes in breathing period. Objective of the study was to evaluate effect of Anulom Vilom pranayam on visual reaction time. Method: 60 subjects (study group 30 subjects and control group 30 subjects) from a tertiary care hospital of Mumbai were included in the study. Subjects from study group practised Anulom Vilom pranayam for 8 weeks and subjects from control group were busy in their routine activities during that period. Pre-study and post-study measurements of visual reaction times for red and green light were done in both groups. Result: Statistical analysis was carried out and paired t-test was applied. Post-study visual reaction time of study group for red and green light showed significant decline than control group. Conclusion: Anulom Vilom pranayam which observed to reduce visual reaction time have health promoting, boosting and toning effects on central neural structures, quantity and pattern of release of neurotransmitters and mental interaction involved in information processing. Thus, Anulom Vilom pranayam is complementary to overall stress management