Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi-Shodhana Pranayama) and its impact on perceived stress and hearing threshold among medical students; a prospective study

Authors

  • Smitha Nagendrappa Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University, Mandya, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9573-7260
  • Sudhir Goppenahalli Kumaraswamy Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, PES University Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5691-8003
  • Vinay Hosagavi Ramalingaiah Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University, Mandya, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1047-5531

Keywords:

Alternate nostril breathing; Perceived stress; Pranayama; Hearing threshold

Abstract

Background: Medical students often experience significant psychological stress, which can negatively impact their academic performance, cognitive functions, and overall well-being. Psychological/emotional stress can also affect hearing if severe or if it lasts long enough. Amongst stress reduction strategies, meditation techniques are found to be helpful.

Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of alternate nostril breathing (Nadi-Shodhana Pranayama) on perceived stress and auditory thresholds (AT) among medical students.

Materials and Methods: Following institutional ethics committee approval, a sample of 60 consenting students aged 18–26 years participated in a 3-month intervention, where they practiced pranayama for 15–20 min, 5 days a week. Baseline and post-intervention data were collected using the perceived stress scale (PSS) and pure tone audiometry.

Results: The results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in PSS scores (P<0.001), indicating decreased stress levels. In addition, ATs in both ears improved, with a more pronounced change observed in the left ear (P<0.001). These findings suggest that pranayama not only reduces psychological stress but also enhances auditory perception, possibly through the regulation of stress hormones and improved inner ear functioning.

Conclusion: The study supports the use of pranayama as a simple, non-invasive intervention to reduce stress which tends to improve cognitive performance in medical students, contributing to better academic outcomes and overall well-being. Further research is warranted to explore long-term benefits and potential mechanisms behind the observed improvements in auditory function and stress resilience.

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Published

2025-01-01

How to Cite

Smitha Nagendrappa, Sudhir Goppenahalli Kumaraswamy, & Vinay Hosagavi Ramalingaiah. (2025). Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi-Shodhana Pranayama) and its impact on perceived stress and hearing threshold among medical students; a prospective study. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 16(1), 90–94. Retrieved from https://nepjol.info/index.php/AJMS/article/view/71594

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Original Articles

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