Deep breathing exercises called pranayama yoga increase the oxygen and diffusion capacity of
the alveolar in the lungs and facilitate gas exchange (1-3). Thus, tissue perfusion
increases, more oxygen binds to hemoglobin and is transported (4-5).
Material and Method Purpose and Type of Study: This study was planned as a randomized
controlled study to examine the effects of pranayama yoga practices on symptoms, fatigue and
respiratory parameters in individuals with COPD.
Research Hypotheses H1: Pranayama yoga increases COPD respiratory parameters (FEV1, FVC,
FV1/FVC, PEF, FEF AND VC) H2: Pranayama yoga reduces COPD symptom level H3: Pranayama yoga
reduces COPD fatigue level
Patient selection and administration The study was conducted using simple random sampling
method among individuals with COPD who met the inclusion criteria and voluntarily agreed to
participate in the study. Patients GOLD, 2021 COPD classification, disease stages of the
patients were determined and 66 patients with group B Stage I and Stage II COPD were included
in the study. The patients included in the study were numbered by identifying the patients in
the study and control groups using the random.org website. 66 individuals with COPD included
by randomization were divided into two groups as 33 (16 Stage I and 17 Stage II) study group
and 33 (16 Stage I and 17 Stage II) control group. According to the spirometric FEV 1 values
of the patients in the study and control groups, 16 patients with Stage I and 17 Stage II
COPD in each group were included in the study. While the routine treatment of the patients in
the study group continued, 20 minutes of pranayama yoga training was given to the patient and
his relatives by the yoga instructor (researcher), and it was planned that the patient would
practice pranayama yoga, which was taught for 20 minutes a day for 21 days. In addition,
patients will be given a training booklet detailing pranayama yoga exercises, a training
video, and a 21-day checklist of practicing yoga. Patients or their relatives will be called
every morning by phone or online communication will be established and pranayama yoga will be
provided. After the application is over, the patients will be visited at the hospital or at
their homes, and the re-interview form, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), COPD and Asthma Fatigue
Scale (CAFS) will be filled and pulmonary function test will be performed and checklists will
be taken back from the patients. The routine treatment of the control group will continue and
no intervention will be applied. After the data collection process of the study is completed,
paranayama yoga training will be given to the patients in the control group and they will be
advised to do it regularly for at least 21 days.
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