EFFECT OF COOLING PRANAYAMA ON SALIVARY pH AND SALIVARY FLOWRATE IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH PERCEIVED STRESS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

The term "stress" refers to the physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions to situations that are perceived as challenging or threatening. Recently statistical data show the incidence of stress is high among the young adults. Yoga is an age-old practice that is considered an integral part of one’s daily life in this modern world and many practice it regularly across the globe. There are Eight Limbs in Ashtanga Yoga systematized by Maharshi Patanjali. One among them is Pranayama. Maharshi Patanjali States Pranayama as तस्मि न्सतिश्वासप्रश्वासयोर्गतिविच्छेदःप्राणायामः – regulating or transcending the movement of inhalation and exhalation is known as pranayama. Thus, yoga and pranayama help individuals cope with the stress they face in their daily life situations. Earlier studies using cooling pranayama were done on stress, autonomic variables, pulmonary function, etc… but not on salivary flowrate and salivary ph or on oral health. Therefore, the present study aims to measure the effect of cooling pranayamas on salivary pH and salivary flow rate in individuals with perceived stress.

This study aims to assess the effect of cooling pranayama on salivary pH and salivary flow rate among young adults of both genders of age group 18 -25 years with perceived stress. A total sample of 90 subjects will be included after screening and randomly divided into 2 groups where the study group (n=45) will be given cooling pranayama and the control group (n=45) will be asked to follow their routine for a period of 21 days. Assessments will be recorded in the baseline (Day 0) and post-intervention (Day 21).