Survey study, 2024
Does pranayama breathing training reduce PMS symptoms and improve brain function?
Yes. Women with PMS who completed 8 weeks of pranayama training showed significant improvements in nerve function and cognitive performance compared to those who didn't train. The study is small, and we don't know if effects last after training stops.
What they did
Randomized controlled trial of 40 women of reproductive age: 20 with PMS, 20 without. The 20 women with PMS were randomly split into two groups of 10. One group received 8 weeks of pranayama breathing training; the other received no intervention. Researchers measured nerve function, heart rate variability, and cognitive performance at baseline and after the intervention.
What they found
At baseline, women with PMS showed significantly impaired autonomic nerve function and poorer cognitive performance compared to those without PMS. After 8 weeks of pranayama training, women with PMS showed significant improvement in autonomic function and cognitive performance.
What it means for you
Pranayama breathing appears to help improve nerve balance and mental function in PMS. However, the study is small (only 10 women received training) and we don't know how long improvements last after stopping practice. It's unclear which types of PMS benefit most or whether this works for all women.
40
Total participants (20 with PMS, 20 without)
8 weeks
Duration of pranayama training
About the study
- Original title
- Effect of pranayama on sympatho-vagal imbalance and cognitive deficit in premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Feula AJM, Yerrabelli D, Pal GK
- Journal
- Journal of family medicine and primary care
- Year
- 2024
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 20
- What was tested
- 8 weeks of pranayama breathing training
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1104_23
Topics
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