High altitude sojourn is a risk factor for hypobaric hypoxemia and subsequent altitude sickness. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of new type of yogic breathing-Maheshwarananda's new Modified Bhujangini Pranayama performed by active yoga practitioners-on the arterial haemoglobin saturation of oxygen (measured by the pulse oximetry - SpO2) and the heart rate compared to normal spontaneous resting breathing. A pilot prospective study was conducted in the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,650 m. We monitored SpO2 and pulse rate in 34 experienced yoga practitioners. Within the 3 measurement days at the altitude of 3,650 m, the mean value of SpO2 increased from 89.11± 4.78 to 93.26±4.44 (P<0.001) after the yogic breathing exercise. No significant changes were observed in pulse rate (P<0.230) measured before and after yogic breathing. The new Yogic breathing-Maheshwarananda's Modified Bhujangini Pranayama-is increasing the arterial haemoglobin saturation compared to normal resting spontaneous breathing. The heart rate was not affected by this type of yogic breathing.

Clinic of Pneumology and Phtiseology Martin University Hospital Martin Slovakia Republic

Department of Physiotherapy Balneology and Medical Rehabilitation University Hospital with Polyclinic of F D Roosevelt Banska Bystrica Slovakia Republic

Faculty of Health Care Banska Bystrica Slovak Medical University Banska Bystrica Slovakia Republic

Faculty of Health Studies Technical University of Liberec Liberec Czech Republic

Institute of Physiology 1st Medical Faculty Charles University Prague Praha Czech Republic

Neurointensive Care Unit Neurocenter Regional Hospital Liberec Czech Republic

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