Effect of Pranayama on Selected Psychomotor Abilities in ... · PDF fileFor the perceptual mechanism to ... Yoga asanas and pranayam has been proven ... At the commencement of the

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www.ijifr.com Copyright © IJIFR 2015

International Journal of Informative & Futuristic Research

ISSN (Online): 2347-1697 Volume 3 Issue 1 September 2015

Abstract

This piece of work was to design to uncover the effect of Pranayama on selected

psychomotor abilities. Thirty self-reported good health male B.P.Ed Part-I

students of LNIPE, Gwalior of 17-22 years age group were divided on the basis

Scaling/ equated method in two groups i.e. yoga group and control group to test

the effect of Bhastrika pranayama on selected psychomotor abilities like weight

perception, depth perception and anticipation. The yoga group was imparted

thirty minute of daily training of Bhastrika pranayama for six weeks while

control group did not perform any yogic activity during this period. All

psychomotor measures recorded as pre and post-test on both the groups. The

results of the study showed that there was a significant difference between the

experimental and control groups. The experimental group showed a significant

improvement in depth perception. On the basis of the data scores it may be stated

that the experimental group inducted improvement due to involvement in

systematic six weeks training of bhastrika pranayama. On the basis of the study

it may also be considered that bhastrika pranayama practices could be used for

improving perception ability.

1. Introduction

Yoga asanas and pranayam has been proven different types of physical-mental activities effectively.

It is the soul-mind-body approach to precise livelihood. Yog is the way to healthy living from

ancient Indian culture to modern age [1]. Yoga is defined as a practice consisting of three

components: gentle stretching; exercises for breath control; and meditation as a mind-body

intervention [2]. Since last few decades, yogic activities have been fascinating researchers to

Effect of Pranayama on Selected Psychomotor

Abilities in Healthy Boys Students

Paper ID IJIFR/ V3/ E1/ 001 Page No. 01-09 Subject Area Physical

Education

Key Words Bhastrika Pranayama, Weight Perception, Depth Perception, Anticipation,

Experimental Group

Dr. Archana Chahal 1 Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, University of Allahabad-Uttar Pradesh.

Virendra Singh 2 Research Scholar, Department of Physical Education, AMU, Aligarh

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International Journal of Informative & Futuristic Research (IJIFR) Volume - 3, Issue - 1, September 2015

25th Edition, Page No: 01-09

Dr. Archana Chahal , Virendra Singh :: Effect of Pranayama on Selected Psychomotor Abilities in Healthy Boys Students

explore therapeutic rationales for contemporary hypo-kinetic epidemics like mental syndrome,

emotional imbalance, physical ailments and so on. Taneja [3] concluded that practice of yoga is

beneficial for all the dimensions of health; however, these studies have used only yoga asana,

pranayama, and/ or short periods of meditation for therapeutic purposes. General perception about

yoga is also the same, which is not correct. Actually Yog is the inclusive way of life. Shivananda

Yog Centre [4] explained that out of four types of Path of Yoga (Karma, Jnana, Bhakti and Raj

Yog), Raj Yog (psychological approach) lay down a Sutras based on practical system of

concentration and control of mind provides an eight stepped (Ashtanga- Yamas, Niyamas, Asanas,

Pranayams, Prayahara, Dharana, Dhyan and Samadhi).

The traditional wisdom of yoga, pranayama is the key to bringing about psychosomatic integration

and harmony [5]. Pranayama has the capacity of freeing the mind from untruthfulness, ignorance

and all other painful and unpleasant experiences of the body and mind [6]. Svatmavama Suri [7]

recognized eight varieties of pranayama and Bhastrika is one of those. This pranayama is called

bhastrika because it is characterized by increased and quick expulsions of breath [8].

Pranayama exercise practices involve the use of various cortical mechanisms and corticofugal

control processes that may alter the process of information processing at the level of the brain steam

[9]. If the respiration is made deeper the pressure changes become considerable and under particular

circumstances these changes are observed to be remarkably great [10]. Yog has been proven

effective at improving your memory and concentration. For instance, Dharana, otherwise known as

the practice of concentration, is the perfect way to clear your mind and calm your senses. As you

remove the static noise in your head and focus your mind, you‟ll find that you‟re able to remember

things, concentrate, and perform much better [11].

Psychomotor variables act as the medium for the realization of cognitive and affective

domains of learning and motor behavior. Performance of motor skills involves neural,

physiological and psychological aspects and is a continuum that runs the gamut from physical

to cognitive and there is always integration between these aspects of human behavior [12].

Psychomotor fitness of an individual is a perfect blending of physical as well as motor

fitness and goes a long way in fielding the excellent outcomes [13]. According to Singer [14]

perceptual ability is defined as of or relating to muscular action believed to ensure from prior

especially conscious mental activity. Perception includes the receiving and processing of

information. The organized information is sent to the higher brain center to be stored until is

needed. For the perceptual mechanism to work properly, the receptors must efficiently receiver the

information. Athletes receive information by means of sensory receptors in the human body that

can be used to receive information exteriorcepters, interlocutors, proprioceptors and distance

receptors [15]. Anticipation is the concept of an agent making decision based prediction,

expectation or believes [16].

Yoga has been proven effective way to enhancing memory, concentration and mental wellbeing.

Yoga appears to provide a comparable improvement in stress, anxiety and health status [17].

Several studies have been conducted to investigate how effective yoga is to the health of the human

brain and some outstanding feedback has come out. Harinath et al [18] described very well that

yogic practices can be used as psycho-physiologic stimuli to increase endogenous secretion

of melatonin, which in turn, might be responsible for improved sense of well-being. Mostly

studies were related to effect or relationship of pranayam/ yogic activities with physiological [19-

23] and psychological [24-27] aspects.

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Yoga asanas and pranayam has been proven different types of mental activities effectively. Plethora

of work has been done to assess the effectiveness of pranayama for brain and mental health. The

factors of strength, power, stamina, flexibility, co-ordination and balance constituted the physical

proficiency whereas the reaction time, speed of movement (response time) arm hand steadiness,

visual perception, manual dexterity and rate control were the abilities considered under psycho-

physiological or psychomotor area [28].

However effect of Pranayama on perception and anticipation is little to prove. However, to the best

of our knowledge, there is no systematic study quantifying modulation of effect of Pranayam on

perception. Hence, the present study was conducted to find the effect of Bhastrika Pranayam on

selected psychomotor abilities.

2. Methodology

2.1 Settings and Design

Total thirty self-reported good health male B.P.Ed Part-I students of LNIPE, Gwalior in the age

group of 17-22 years were participants to test the effect of Bhastlika Pranayama on selected

psychomotor abilities.

Scaling/ equated group design is chosen to enhance the interpretability of scores by incorporate

useful information into the score scale so as to avoid misleading interpretations. For this

participants were grouped into „control‟ and „experimental‟ on the basis of equating their pre test

performance on all selected psychomotor ability. First the participants were arranged in descending

order on the basis of their rank of pre-test performance. Then alternately participants were assigned

to two groups. Finally the equated groups were checked again by comparing their mean

performance.

At the commencement of the studies they were subjected to routine clinical examination and found

to be healthy and free from disease.

2.2 Selection of Variables

The selection of the variable was based mainly on very purpose of study and those perceptual

variable which shows significant relationship with movement concept understanding. The Depth

Perception, Weight Perception and Anticipation Ability chosen were as variables presented in Table

1.

Table 2.2.1: Selection of Test and Criterion Measures

SI. No. Variables Test Criterion Measure

1. Depth perception Depth perception Box Centimeter

2. Weight perception Weight perception Box Grams

3. Anticipation

Ability

L.E.D. Light Visual Anticipation

apparatus

Seconds

2.3 Procedure

The experimental group was imparted thirty minute of daily training of Bhastrika pranayama for six

weeks under the proper supervision and guidance of the scholar while no training was imparted to

control group. At the end of six week post test was conducted for both the groups for the following

criterion measures:

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2.3.1 Bhastrika Pranayama

In Sanskrit Bhastrika means „bellows‟. Rapid succession of forcible expulsion is a characteristic

feature of Bhastrika. Just as a blacksmith blows his bellows rapidly, so also you should move your

breath rapidly. Bhastrika is a powerful exercise. A combination of Kapalabhati and Ujjayi makes

up Bhastrika. Practise Kapalabhati and Ujjayi to start with. Then you will find it very easy to do

Bhastrika.

Close the mouth. Next, inhale and exhale quickly ten times like the bellows of the blacksmith.

Constantly dilate and contract. When you practise this Pranayama a hissing sound is produced. The

practitioner should start with rapid expulsions of breath following one another in rapid succession.

When the required number of expulsions, say ten for a round, is finished, the final expulsion is

followed by a deepest possible inhalation. The breath is suspended as long as it could be done with

comfort. Then deepest possible exhalation is done very slowly. The end of this deep exhalation

completes one round of Bhastrika.

2.3.2 Technique of Bhastrika Pranayama

Sit in a Padmasan or in any other meditative posture with straight back and closed eyes. Inhale by

expanding the chest and now exhale by contracting the abdomen so that the chest remains expanded

and elevated. Every round of Bhastrika Pranayama has got two pars. First span consists of 20 to 30

stroke of Kapalbhati and second spell contains Puraka, Kumbhaka and Rechaka phase.

2.3.2.1 Kapalbhati

Kapalbhati was done through the both nostrils. Every rechaka was done forcefully and rapidly.

There a friction sound like 'ss1 is produced with every rechaka. Puraka is passively done though it

was also quick. Immediately after Kapalbhati pan puraka was done through both nostrils followed

by Kumbhaka for a proportionate time. All these three bandhas viz. Jalandhara, Uddiyan and Mool

bandha are applied. To end kumbhaka phase, rechaka phase was done through the both nostril.

After releasing bandhas in the same order giving double time than puraka.

2.3.2.2 Puraka

In puraka phase a deep inspiration of air were take place.

2.3.2.3 Kumbhaka

In Kumbhaka phase the subject were retained the breath through applying bandhas till the subject

feel comfortable.

2.3.2.4 Rechaka

In this phase the subject were exhaled out the air.

The end of deep rechaka completes one round of bhastrika pranayamas.

2.4 Statistical Technique for Analysis of Data

In order to study the effect of bhastrika pranayama on depth perception on both group participants, t

test was used and 0.05 level of significance was chosen to test the hypothesis.

3. Results

To find out the significant mean difference between the initial and final scores of depth perception

for the experimental and control group „t‟ test were administered after the experimental period of

six weeks practice of Bhastrika pranayama.

The mean difference of the criterion measures for control and experimental groups are presented in

table 3.1 to 3.3 followed by figure 3.1 to 3.3.

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Table 3.1: Significance of Difference between Pre and Post Test Means of Experimental Group and

Control Group in Weight Perception

Group Pre Test Mean Post Test Mean DM DM „t‟ Ratio

Experimental 12.86 10.2 2.66 1.49 6.904*

Control 12.93 13.06 -0.13 1.35 0.381

*Significant at .05 level of confidence (t.05 (29) = 2.05)

Figure 3.1: Pre and Post Test Means of Experimental Group and Control Group in Weight Perception

It was showed from table 3.1 that the experimental group found significant difference in weight

perception (experimental group t = 6.904*). But no significant difference were observed in control

group t = 0.381) in weight perception after 6 weeks practice of Bhastrika pranayama.


Control Group in Depth Perception

Group Pre Test Mean Post Test Mean DM DM ‘t’ Ratio

Experimental 2.41 1.78 0.62 0.179 13.54*

Control 2.40 2.38 0.02 0.096 0.269


Figure 3.2: Pre and Post Test Means of Experimental Group and Control Group in Depth Perception

Experimental

Control

-5

0

5

10

15

Pre TestMean

Post TestMean

DM DM ‘t’ Ratio

12.86 10.2

2.66 1.49 6.90

12.93 13.06

-0.13

1.35 0.381

Experimental

Experimental

Control

-2

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

Pre TestMean

Post TestMean

DM DM ‘t’ Ratio

2.15

0.13

2.01

0.07

6.90

2.16 2.17

-0.01

0.03 1.76

Experimental

Control

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It was evident from table 3.2 that the experimental group showed significant difference in depth

perception (experimental group t = 13.54*). But no significant difference were observed in control

group t- 0.269) in Depth perception after 6 weeks practice of bhastrika pranayama.


Control Group in Anticipation Ability

Group Pre Test Mean Post Test Mean DM DM ‘t’ Ratio

Experimental 2.15 0.136 2.01 0.077 10.316*

Control 2.162 2.179 -0.017 0.0388 1.763


Figure 4.3: Pre and Post Test Means of Experimental Group and Control Group in Anticipation

Ability

Table 3.3 was clearly showed that the experimental group showed significant difference in

anticipation (experimental group t = 10.316*). But no significant difference were observed in

control group t = 1.763) in anticipation ability after 6 weeks practice of Bhastrika pranayama.

4. Discussion of Findings

The results of the study showed that there was a significant difference between the experimental

group and control group. The experimental group showed a critical improvement in all the selected

psychomotor abilities (depth perception, weight perception and anticipation).The experimental

group may be inducted improvement due to involvement in systematic six weeks training of

Bhastrika Pranayama. But the control group did not showed any improvement in selected

psychomotor abilities the reason was the control was not engaged in any systematic yogic practices.

Literature on yoga and our previous studies indicated improvement in various psychomotor and

cognitive functions by yogic exercises [5, 25 & 29]. So to assess this aspect, objective tests of

measuring concentration, learning, memory, arithmetic ability, vigilance, perceptual efficiency and

reaction time were conducted. According to Ray et al [29] that there was improvement in various

psychological parameters like reduction in anxiety and depression and a better mental function after

yogic practices. Trakroo [30] that conducted a combination of Asan and Pranayama training for 6

months produced an improvement in motor and sensory nerve conduction and concluded that total

Experimental

Control

-5

0

5

10

15

Pre TestMean

Post TestMean

DM DM ‘t’ Ratio

2.15 0.13

2.01 0.07

10.31

2.16 2.17

-0.01

0.03 1.76

Experimental

Control

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power of EEG, alpha and theta power as well as delta % increased, while reaction time decreased

signifying an alert and yet relaxed state of the neuromuscular system. Sharma et al [5] observed a

significant reduction in perceived stress and improvement in the following cognitive domains:

attention, visual-motor speed and memory retention capacity in both fast and slow pranayama

groups and concluded that shortening of auditory and visual RT in our pranayama groups represents

greater arousal, better concentration and faster responsiveness [31]. The findings of the present

study showed that bhastrika pranayama is able to influence systems and secure their efficient and

harmonious working. The nerves and muscles are toned up continued to maintain for a considerable

long duration. So the coordination among the various functions is brought by the nervous system

and other system of our body through the practice central nervous system and automatic nervous

system were the optimized so with the help of 6 week of bhastrika pranayama practice experimental

group has improved psychomotor abilities likewise depth perception, ability weight, perception

ability and anticipation ability.

5. Conclusions

It was concluded that bhastrika pranayama practice have significantly contributed to psychomotor

ability mainly depth perception, weight perception and anticipation. On the basis of the study it may

also be considered that bhastrika pranayama practices could be used for training physical

educational professional for improving psychomotor abilities. Further well conducted research is

required which may be most prolific if focused on psychomotor abilities.

6. References

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volunteers”, Gorakhpur Social Scientist, VI (1), pp 30-32 (2015).

[2] E. Ernst, “Therapies: Yoga (section 3), in E. Ernst (eds), The Desktop Guide To Complementary And

Alternative Medicine- An Evidence-Based Approach, Mosby Pub, Edinburgh, pp 76–78 (2001).

[3] D.K. Taneja, “Yoga and health”, Indian J Community Med v.39 (2), PMC406793, (2014).

[4] Shivananda Yog Centre, Yog, Mind & Body, Dorling Kindersley Ltd, London (1997).

[5] V.K. Sharma, R.M. Kumar, S. Velkumary, S.K. Subramanian, A.B. Bhavanani, Madanmohan, A.

Sahai and D. Thangavel, “Effect of fast and slow pranayama practice on cognitive functions in

healthy volunteers”, J Clin Diagn Res, 8(1), pp 10–13 (2014).

[6] Pranayam, http://www.pypt.org/7-Pranayam.html, visited on 16/5/2015

[7] Svatmavama, “Hatha Yoga Pradipika” (15th century), http://www.swamij.com/hatha-yoga-

pradipika.htm. visited on 16/5/2015

[8] Swami Kuvalayananda, “Pranayama”, Kaivalyadhama Pub, Lonavla (1966).

[9] S. Telles, R. Nagarathna and H.R. Nagendra, “Autonomic changes during "OM" meditation”,

Indian J Physiol. Pharmacol, 39 (4), pp 418-420 (1995).

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ability in volleyball.”, http.//www.shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/2841(2011).

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[17] S.H.H. Caroline, B.M. Jane and E. Kerena, “A randomised comparative trial of yoga and relaxation

to reduce stress and anxiety”, Complementary Ther. Med, 15(2), pp 77-83(2007).

[18] K. Harinath, A.S. Malhotra, K. Pal, R. Prasad, R. Kumar, T.C. Kain, L. Rail, R.C. Sawhney, “Effects

of hatha yoga and omkar meditation on cardiorespiratory performance, psychologic profile, and

melatonin secretion”, J. Altern. Complement Med, 10(2), pp 261-268 (2004).

[19] T. Pramanik, H.O. Sharma, S. Mishra, A. Mishra, R. Prajapati, S. Singh, “Immediate effect of

slow pace bhastrika pranayama on blood pressure and heart rate” Journal of Alternative and

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functions”, Yoga Mimamsa, XXV( 4), pp 14–23 (1986).

[22] P.V. Karambelkar and M.V. Bhole, “Respiratory studies during Kapalbhati for 1, 2, 3 & 5 minutes”,

Yoga Mimamsa, XXVII (1 & 2), pp 69–74 (1988).

[23] M.A. Wenger and B.K.Bagchi “Strees of autonomic functions in practitioner of yog in India”,

Behavioural Since, 6, pp.312-313 (1996).

[24] G. Kirkwood, H. Rampes and V. Tuffrey, “Yoga for anxiety: a systematic review of the research

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[25] J.Granath, S. Ingvarsson, V.U. Thiele and U. Lundberg, “Stress management: a randomized study of

cognitive behavioural therapy and yoga”, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy,35(1), pp 3 -10 (2006).

[26] T. Krisanaprakornkit W. Sriraj, N. Piyavhatkul and M. Laopaiboon, “Meditation therapy for anxiety

disorders” Chchrane Database of Systematic review, 25 (1) (2006).

[27] M. Schwickert, J. Langhorst, A. Paul, A. Michalsen and G.J. Dobos, “Stress Management in the

treatment of essential arterial hypertension”, MMW Fortschr Med, 23; 148(47), pp 40-2 (2006).

[28] H.M. Barrow and R. McGee, A Practical Approach to Measurement in Physical Education (3rd

Edition), Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia (1979).

[29] U.S. Ray, S. Mukhopadhyaya, S.S. Purkayastha, V. Asnani, O.S.Tomer, R. Prashad, L. Thakur and

W. Selvamurthy, “Effect of yogic exercises on physical and mental health of young fellowship

course trainees”, Indian J PhysiolPharmacol, 45(1), pp 37-53 (2001).

[30] M. M.Trakroo, A.B. Bhavanani, G.K. Pal, K. Udupa and N. Krishnamurthy, “A comparative

study of the effects of Asan, Pranayama And Asan-Pranayama training on neurological and

neuromuscular functions of Pondicherry police trainees”, Int J Yoga, 6(2), pp 96–103 (2013).

[31] Madanmohan, K. Udupa, A.B. Bhavanani, P. Vijayalakshmi and A. Surendiran,“Effect of slow and

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8 BIOGRAPHIES

The first author of the paper Dr Archana Chahal has got more than 17 years of teaching

experience at Under and Post Graduate level. She has also served as the Head of the

Department of Physical Education in OXFORD OF EAST –University of Allahabad for

seven years. She held Top Ranked in Entrance Exam; Medalist in Graduate and Post

Graduate courses in Physical Education from Asia‟s biggest residential and prestigious

Banaras Hindu University. She was awarded PhD with Junior Research Fellowship

(JRF). She was also secured two Distinction Awards in her Two years Regular

Coaching Diploma in Sports and Sports Sciences (Basketball) from esteemed National

Institute of Sports, Patiala. She has got much Administrative Work Experience as

chairman and member of different University and National level bodies. She was served as Chief Coach of

Uttar Pradesh Basketball Girls Team. She participated and presented various Research papers, Talks in

different National and International Conferences/ Seminars/ Workshops/Symposia. She was represented

Country and contribute her work in 12th

International Commonwealth Sports Conference held at

Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester U.K. – 2002 and Visit to Prof Tom Reilly„s Research Lab,

John Moors Liverpool University, U.K. She wrote a book entitled “TALENT IDENTIFICATION IN

BASKETBALL”. Her research papers have published in assorted Refereed /distinguish International and

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National Journals. She guided various Dissertations and energetically doing research work/ Project to

strengthen Sports and Physical Education.

Second Author- Virendra Singh- Research Scholar, Department of Physical Education, AMU, Aligarh. He

completed his graduation and post-graduation from University of Allahabad and LNIPE, Gwalior

respectively. He is submitted his research work on Arjun Award Winner Abhinshyam Gupta- A wonder boy

of Badminton under the supervision in Dr B.B.Singh. Ass Professor, AMU, Aligarh.

Documents

Effect of Pranayama on Selected Psychomotor Abilities in ... · PDF fileFor the perceptual mechanism to ... Yoga asanas and pranayam has been proven ... At the commencement of the