title: Respiratory functions in Kalaripayattu practitioners.
abstract: Kalaripayattu, an ancient traditional martial art form of Kerala, is considered as the basis for all martial arts viz. Karate, Kungfu, etc. physiological studies are more concentrated on Karate, Kungfu and other martial arts due to their global acceptance. Considering the limited knowledge available regarding the physiological profiles of Kalaripayattu practitioners, the present study was taken up for filling the lacunae in the field. Lung function tests were carried out in ten Kalari practitioners. Residual volume was measured by indirect method. Higher lung volumes and flow rates were achieved in Kalari practitioners compared to age and height-matched controls. Better mechanical factors and lower airway resistance influenced during Kalari practice might have benefited in improving hung volumes and flow rates.
authors.affiliation: Physiological Chemistry Research Laboratory, School of Biosciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala-686 560.
authors.forename: C Kesava
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Chandran
authors.forename: R Harikumaran
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shashidhar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000502:physiology*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015013:Yoga