|  | Member's News | No.49 January 2007 |
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Effect of Kapal Bhati on the Vital Capacity of Junior Cricket Players Sameer E. Bhagirathi |
Abstract The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of Kapal Bhati (1) on the vital capacity of junior level cricket players in the Bhopal Division. Forty male subjects were selected randomly from different cricket clubs in Bhopal and their age ranged from 16-19 years. They were categorised into two equal groups by random sampling. 20 players formed the experimental group and 20 players formed the control group. It was ensured that all participants were medically fit to undergo the training for research. The first pre-test of vital capacity was taken and after seven days of systematic training, post-tests were conducted on the same selected characteristics. The members in the experimental group were asked to perform Kapal Bhati (Pranayama) daily, gradually increasing from 5 min to 20 min over the seven day program. The members of the control group were asked to perform their daily routine and did not engage in practicing Kapal Bhati. The data were examined by applying the 't' test. The level of significance chosen was .05. On the basis of the literature reviewed and research findings, it was hypothesized that there would be significant improvement in the vital capacity of the players who performed Kapal Bhati (Pranayama) during training. Introduction In this dynamic age of science and technology, the human element is treated the same as before. Its goals are indistinct and unsatisfying. The mechanisms of modern living, forced restrictions of physical activity leading to a sedentary life and an increased amount of leisure time are all factors that have resulted in a tremendous increase of public and professional interest in physical activity and health. People seem to be “turning on” to the idea that one looks and feels better and stays healthier by being more physically active. Due to this established fact, many young, middle aged and senior adults of both genders have begun exercising on a regular basis. Chaterjee (1996) notes the importance of Yogas in the ancient advanced cultures of Greek sportsman and Indo-Valley civilization. The main targets of yoga and naturopathy are health and mind culture. Yoga exercise can help in this endeavor to solve the physical problems so that health for everybody in the 21st century can be ensured. Yoga exercise is a kind of bodily movement with mental concentration. Yoga exercise can help a person to develop health along with control of various emotions like love, anger, affection and greediness that provide firm control over body and mind. For this reason, the importance of yoga is presently felt by a large number of people, possibly most of the nation of India. It is being now realized that yoga is not only for better development of the spiritual mind, but could also be used as a therapy. Today yoga, being a subject of varied interests, has gained worldwide popularity. Recent research trends have shown that it can serve as an applied science in a number of fields such as education, physical education and sports, health and family welfare, psychology and medicine and is also of valuable means for the development of human resources for better performance and productivity, However, controversy exists in accepting yoga as a medicine and therapy because it has generally been believed that yoga is a spiritual science having emancipation as its goal and hence cannot be treated as a therapy. Joshi (2005) regards yoga to be associated with the acquisition and exhibition of supernatural powers, requiring complete description of the mind and body. Methodology For the purpose of the study, forty male subjects were selected randomly from different cricket clubs in Bhopal. These 40 boys, aged from 16-19 years were divided into two equal groups by random sampling, using a random table of random numbers. It was ensured that all of them were medically fit to undergo the requirements of the research project. Reliability of Data The researcher established the instrument’s reliability, the tester's competency and the reliability of the test, which in turn, assumed the reliability of data. Instrument Reliability All of the instruments used in this research investigation were found to be precise and reliable. The vital capacity of the subjects was measured by using a Spirometer. This instrument was highly sophisticated and guaranteed by technical corporation, AMIPRO MARKETERS, micro-teknik Ltd. Arera colony, Bhopal. Experimental Design and Procedure The first group of 20 subjects was defined as the control group and the other 20 persons were defined as the experimental group. The pre-test of vital capacity was taken and after seven days of systematic training of Kapal Bhati, the post-tests were conducted for the same selected characteristics. The members of the experimental group were asked to perform Kapal Bhati (Pranayama) daily, gradually increasing from 5 min to 20 min over a seven day program. Persons in the control group were asked to perform their usual daily routine without engaging in Kapal Bhati. The detailed training program administered is shown in Table-1. Table 1: Administration of Training Schedule
Days | Strokes | Repetition | Time
1 | 10 | 3 Times | 5 Min.
2 | 10 | 3 Times | 5 Min.
3 | 20 | 4 Times | 10 Min.
4 | 20 | 4 Times | 10 Min.
5 | 30 | 4 Times | 15 Min.
6 | 30 | 4 Times | 15 Min.
7 | 40 | 5 Times | 20 Min.
1-2 days - the subjects of the experimental group were asked to practice Kapal Bhati (Pranayama) daily for a duration of 5 minutes. Members of the group performed 3 repetitions of 10 strokes within 5 min with a sufficient amount of interval. 3-4 days - while maintaining the intensity of the strokes, repetition and time were increased significantly so the individuals did not feel any breathing stress. 5-6 days - during these days the intensity of strokes was increased with a reduction in time and the repetitions were also increased. On the last day the group was asked to perform with their greatest intensity. Higher levels of stroke intensity were performed over less time with reduced resting periods. Afterward the test of vital capacity was administered. Analysis of Data In order to study the effect of Kapal Bhati on vital capacity, the test of significance ('t'-test) was applied and .05 level of significance was chosen to test the hypothesis. Findings Differences in vital capacity (pre- and post- test) found between control and experimental groups are presented in table 2. Table 2: Difference Between Post Test Measures of Vital Capacity between Experimental Group and Control Group.
Group | Post test mean | DM | 6 DM | 't' ratio
Experimental | 3.44 | .29 | 1.39 | 2.96
Control | 3.15 |  |  |
DM- difference between the means *Significant at .05 level Discussion of Hypothesis The findings of the study a showed significant improvement in vital capacity as a result of the seven day training program of Kapal Bhati (Pranayama). Hence the hypothesis was accepted. Conclusion Kapal Bhati Pranayama practices can significantly contribute to respiratory function. On the basis of the study it may also be considered that practicing Kapal Bhati (Pranayama) could be used for improving the respiratory efficiency of various other sporting events such as swimming, endurance type of activities, etc. (1) Kapalabhati pranayama is a process to pump out and pump in air or breathe through the nose. A little forced exhalation of breath brings out stale air from the lower lungs as abdominal muscles contract sharply raising the diaphragm. Longer inhaling relaxes muscles and lungs when filled with fresh oxygen-enriched air. Process of exhalation and inhalation tones up the stomach because of repeated up and down movement of diaphragm. This process cleans the entire respiratory system. References Johnson, Wrdebn R. & Bus Kirk E.R. (Eds.). (1973). Science and Medicine and Sports. New York : Harper and Row Publisher's. Chaterjee, C.C. (1966). Human Physiology 6th ed. Calcutta: Books and Allied Pvt. Ltd. Clark, David H. (1975). Exercise Physiology. Englewood Cliffe, N.J.: Prentice Hall Inc. Phillip and Hornak. Measurement in Physical Education. Sivananda Swami. (1938). Practical Lessons in Yoga. Mini Beach, USA: Shri Sivananda Valentina. Swami Vishnu Devananda. (1959). The Complete IIIustrated Book of Yoga. New York Bell Publishers. Yadav, Yogacharya Hansraj. (1973). Yoga for Students. Bombay: Vora and Co. Publications. Brouham Lucien et. al. (1994). Studies in Physical Efficiency of College students. Research Quarterly 15:3. Joshi, N.K.(2005). “Yoga Therapy for Parkinson’s disease”. Abstract published in the abstract of 1st International conference on advancement in Yoga Education, Research and Health, held at Bhopal, India, 7-9 Jan. 2005.p.42. Contact Sameer E. Bhagirathi Physical Education Teacher, Bhopal (INDIA) B.P.E., M.P.E., M.Phil., Diploma in Coaching Cricket, PG Diploma in Sports Management, Diploma in Sports Journalism, F.I.C.E.R., T.P.A.C. (China). e-mail: Sameer_elwin2001@yahoo.com http://www.icsspe.org/portal/index.php?w=1&z=5 Effect of Kapal Bhati on the Vital Capacity of Junior Cricket Players Sameer E. Bhagirathi