Effect of Pranayama on Psycho Physiological Aspects and Performance Ability of State Level Swimmers

Abstract

For success in swimming, one requires muscular strength, agility, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, presence of mind, neuro-muscular coordination skill and courage is essential. In this context, the researcher being a Kabaddi player sought to determine the effect of Pranayama on respiratory functions of swimming players. Practice of Pranayama has a better chance of gaining the ability to control the breathing problems. With the help of yogic breathing techniques, it may be possible to control attack of shortness of breathing. Moreover, various studies have confirmed beneficial effect of yoga. newlineStatement of the Problem newlinestudies on the psycho-physiological demands in swimming are scanty. Although there are some studies in relation to swimming players (De et al., 1979; De et al., 1982; Deyet al., 1993) however, a systematic evaluation of the psycho-physiological and physical performance demands of this sport has not yet been undertaken in an organized way. newlineHence, the researcher sought to determine whether the Indian traditional yoga practices could improve some of these major qualities in swimming players newlineProblem and its Relevance newlineA sport, like swimingi, requires maximum strength, stamina, fitness and breath holding capacity. As the player or swimre has to hold the breath while swimming . the pre-competitive anxiety, a normal phenomenon, associated with increased breath-rate further might hamper the breath-holding capacity of a player. Thus breath control plays an important role in achieving success. By controlling the act of breathing, one can efficiently control all the various motions in the body and the different nerve currents that are running through the body (Sivananda,1971). So more the control over breath, more is the steadiness of mind and better is the performance. newlineObjectives of study newlineThis investigation has been conducted with the following objectives in perspective: newline To assess the selected attributes of pulmonary function along with associated physiological variables of the swimming players. newline To mea