Abstract

CLINICAL EFFECTS OF PRANAYAMA ON PERFORMANCE OF RIFLE SHOOTERS

Author(s):*Amte Snehal Shekhar1, Mistry Hetal M2

Yoga has an enormous scientifically proven effect on man's physical and psychological functioning. Pranayama constitute the most vital aspects of yoga. Various methods of pranayama have a sound scientific basis and are traditionally believed to produce equilibrium between psychic and somatic aspects of bodily functions. The link between body and mind is obligatory for the better performance of sports persons. Aim: The aim of the study is to find out the effect of pranayama on the performance of Rifle shooters by measuring the parameters like-breath holding time, lung functional capacity and shooting performance. Method: 52 state level shooters subjects were chosen from 2 centres between the age group of 15-30years. Out of them, 26 shooters were given training in the techniques of pranayama for 3weeks.The other 26 subjects served as control i.e. with out Pranayama training. Variables like shooting performance, breath holding time (BHT), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), respiratory rate (RR) and pulse rate (PR) were measured in both the groups. Results: The study showed highly significant improvement in all the five variables shooting performance (in mm), BHT, PEFR, RR and PR with p value of 3.62E-05, 2.78E-07, 1.31E-09, 0.013, 3.40E-04respectively. Conclusion: So it can be concluded that pranayama is efficacious for better performance of Rifle shooters and should be included in their training practice.

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