Effect of breathing practices on visual and auditory reaction time of adolescent population in Madurai, India -A comparison of right and left nostril breathing

Abstract

Introduction: Specific nostril breathing techniques are known to influence the autonomic function. Various studies have recorded that Right nostril breathing (RNB) exercises stimulate sympathetic activity and left nostril breathing (LNB) exercises stimulate parasympathetic activity. The present study was done to find out whether this is true by observing the immediate effect of specific nostril breathing on Visual Reaction Time (VRT) and Auditory Reaction Time (ART) of the same individual before and after training. Results: A significant reduction in ART& VRT and a significant increase in ART& VRT were seen after RNB & LNB exercises .No significant gender difference was observed on reaction time. Conclusion: RNB stimulates sympathetic activity and LNB stimulates parasympathetic activity. ART is faster than VRT and no difference in reaction times between males and females were found after immediate breathing exercises.