Scholarly Article
Immediate Effects of Pranayama on Hand Dexterity in Patients with Uncomplicated Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using Modified O'Connor Tweezer Dexterity Test- A Cross-Sectional Study
Shreya Narayan, Tanisha Singhal, Kusumadevi M S, Suraj R S
1970-01-01 · European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine
Abstract
Introduction : Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has severe motor impairments with negative implications on hand dexterity and quality of life. Although there are long-term effects of yoga practices proving to be beneficial at the metabolic and psychological level in T2DM, the acute effects of pranayama (yogic breathing) on fine motor function are yet to be explored. The purpose of this research was to determine the acute effect of one session of pranayama on hand dexterity among patients with uncomplicated T2DM and also to compare metabolic and demographic factors with motor performance results. Methodology : Fourteen subjects (mean age 48.2 ± 6.2 years) with uncomplicated T2DM were included. Each was exposed to a baseline trial and measurement by means of the Modified O'Connor Tweezer Dexterity Test. Participants next practiced 5 minutes of Anuloma Viloma and 5 minutes of Bhramari pranayama, in alternating order, with a 2-minute break between. Post-intervention dexterity was tested again. Statistical analysis involved paired t-tests to compare pre- and post-test scores and Spearman correlation to examine associations between age, BMI, HbA1c, and dexterity parameters. Results : Post-pranayama, the hand dexterity improved considerably (mean difference: -81.1 seconds; p < 0.001; Cohen's dz = -2.01). All of them improved, with decrease in time varying from 31 to 193 seconds. The exploratory analysis demonstrated strong negative correlation between BMI and dexterity improvement (r = -0.77, p = 0.001), and between age and HbA1c (r = -0.85, p < 0.001), suggesting possible modulatory influence of metabolic factors on motor function. Conclusion : One session of pranayama increased hand dexterity in uncomplicated T2DM patients significantly. The results advocate including pranayama as an adjunctive, non-pharmacological treatment to enhance fine motor function. Yet, because of the limited sample and absence of a control group, larger cohorts of randomized controlled trials need to be performed to substantiate the outcomes and clarify underlying mechanisms.
Keywords
Pranayama, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Hand Dexterity, Motor Function, O'Connor Tweezer Dexterity Test, BMI, Yoga, Glycated haemoglobin
Citation Details
European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine