Immediate Effects of Asthma Bath on Pulmonary Function Tests and Vital Signs in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Asthma Bath is a hydrotherapeutic intervention used in naturopathy, typically administered in clinical settings, where water at varying temperatures is applied to enhance respiratory function. AIM: To assess the immediate effect of Asthma Bath on the physiological changes in respiratory functions among healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred healthy male and female participants, aged 20 to 40 years, were recruited from the Yoga and Naturopathy College of North India. The participants were randomized to an intervention group (n=100) and a control group (n=100). The intervention group received Asthma Bath for 20 minutes, while the control group was advised to sit and breathe normally for 20 minutes. The data were collected at baseline and immediately after intervention. RESULTS: Asthma Bath showed significant improvement in FVC (forced vital capacity), FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second), SBP (systolic blood pressure), DBP (Diastolic Blood Pressure), RR (Respiratory rate), pulse rate, and SpO2 (P < .05), while no significant change was observed in FEV1/FVC ratio. The control group showed significant changes in FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that Asthma Bath helps improve pulmonary function in healthy individuals. KEYWORDS: Asthma Bath, pulmonary function, naturopathy, hydrotherapy, blood pressure.