Previous studies have reported and documented the beneficial effects of deep breathing as a part of either short term or long term practice of pranayama. Few studies have shown increase in Heart rate variability (HRV) on performing non yogic deep breathing exercise for a long period. However our knowledge about the effects of few minutes of deep breathing exercise (DB) on HRV is lacking. In the present study we examined the effects of few minutes of deep breathing exercise (DB) on HRV. The study was conducted on a homogenous group of 17 male students. The students performed deep breathing exercises for 3 minutes at the rate of 6 breaths per minute; short term HRV indices were assessed before and after deep breathing exercise. The data analysis was carried out by using SPSS19.0 software. Results were expressed as mean & standard deviation. A Pvalue of < 0.001 was considered as highly significant. The mean LF, HF & LF/HF ratio before DB exercise was 46.07±11.03, 50.97±8.67 & 0.95±0.36. The mean LF, HF & LF/HF ratio after DB exercise was 36.68±11.76, 58.29±9.64 & 0.67±0.32.Mean differences in all parameters before and after DB exercise was found to be statistically significant. There was a significant decrease in the sympathetic tone (LF) & a significant increase in the parasympathetic tone (HF) after DB exercise. This shows that deep breathing for few minutes has a beneficial effect on heart.

Keywords: Deep Breathing Exercise; Heart Rate Variability.