Yogic Breathing and Respiratory Function: Physiological Mechanisms, Respiratory Adaptations, and Clinical Implications - A Narrative Review

Akarshit Maurya

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.87843

Yogic Breathing and Respiratory Function: Physiological Mechanisms, Respiratory Adaptations, and Clinical Implications - A Narrative Review

Author(s)	Mr. Akarshit Maurya
Country	India
Abstract	Background: Yogic breathing, commonly referred to as pranayama, involves conscious regulation of breathing pattern, depth, rate, and respiratory phases. Increasing evidence suggests that these practices may influence pulmonary function, respiratory muscle performance, autonomic regulation, and overall respiratory health. However, variations in breathing techniques and study methodologies make it important to synthesize the available evidence and understand the physiological basis of these effects. Objective: This narrative review aims to examine the physiological mechanisms underlying yogic breathing, summarize the respiratory adaptations associated with regular practice, and discuss its potential clinical implications for respiratory health. Methods: Relevant scientific literature examining yogic breathing and respiratory function was reviewed, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies involving healthy individuals and clinical populations. The reviewed literature focused on pulmonary function parameters such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), respiratory muscle strength, and functional respiratory outcomes. Results: The available evidence indicates that yogic breathing may improve selected aspects of pulmonary function and respiratory efficiency. Regular practice has been associated with improvements in lung volumes, expiratory flow rates, ventilatory capacity, and respiratory muscle performance. Slow and controlled breathing may also influence respiratory–autonomic interactions through modulation of vagal activity, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and other autonomic mechanisms. In clinical populations, particularly individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, yoga-based breathing practices have demonstrated potential benefits in pulmonary function, symptom control, exercise tolerance, and quality of life when used alongside conventional management. Nevertheless, the magnitude of benefit varies according to the breathing technique, intervention duration, participant characteristics, and study design. Conclusion: Yogic breathing appears to be a promising complementary approach for supporting respiratory function and respiratory health. Its potential effects may arise from coordinated changes in respiratory mechanics, respiratory muscle activity, ventilatory control, and autonomic regulation. Although current evidence is encouraging, methodological heterogeneity and limited long-term data prevent definitive conclusions regarding standardized clinical protocols. Further well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to establish technique-specific effects, optimal practice duration, and long-term clinical relevance.
Keywords	Yogic breathing; Pranayama; Pulmonary function; Respiratory function; Respiratory muscles; Asthma; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Yoga
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-09-16
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.87843

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Yogic Breathing and Respiratory Function: Physiological Mechanisms, Respiratory Adaptations, and Clinical Implications - A Narrative Review

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