The Effects of Yoga Practice on Lung Function and sIL-2R Biomarkers in Individuals Working and Living in the Lonavala Industrial Area: A Randomized Controlled Trial

CONTEXT: Pollution-related health hazards are very common among people living and/or working in industrial areas, particularly near industries and metro cities. These air pollutants contribute to allergens, increase inflammation, and affect lung function. AIM: The present study aimed to examine the effect of yoga training on lung functions and inflammation in terms of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in people working and living in a polluted area. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled interventional pilot study. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-eight male volunteers from the industrial area, aged 20–50 years, were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group. Each group comprises 24 study participants. Lung function and sIL-2R were studied at the baseline and post-yoga intervention period of 16 weeks. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Study data were analyzed using descriptive methods, a one-tailed t-test, a paired t-test, and an independent t-test. RESULT: Study results showed directional and significant improvements in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, and peak expiratory flow rate compared to the control group participants. The results pertaining to sIL-2R showed a directional and significant decrease in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that yoga helps to promote better health, improve lung function and reduce inflammation among people residing in polluted environments.