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The Impact of Pranayama on Quality of Life (QoL) Field Version in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

  • Divya Matlani Divya Matlani Scholar School of Ancient Indian Wisdom & Yogic Studies, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India India ,  
  • Mala Tripathi Mala Tripathi Assistant Professor Himalayan School of Yoga Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Doiwala, Dehradun, India India ,  
  • Shalini Singh* Shalini Singh Corresponding author Associate Professor Department of Psychology and Education, Rishihood University, Sonipat, India India ,  
  • Santosh Kumar Sah Santosh Kumar Sah Specialist in Psychiatry Gr-I, Department of Social Welfare, Govt of NCT of Delhi, India. India ,  
  • Ajeet Tiwari Ajeet Tiwari MD Scholar Department of Basic Principles of Ayurveda, Jaipur, India. India
Received: March 18, 2025
Accepted: April 11, 2025
Published: June 11, 2025
Volume: 1 (1) | Page: 11-23

Abstract

This study explores the efficacy of Pranayama practices on the quality of life (QoL) among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Employing a controlled, 24-week intervention with 90 participants across experimental (Yoga) and control (AUT) groups, QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF-ID and proxy tools. Results revealed significant improvements in both physical and psychological domains within the experimental group post-intervention, while no such gains were observed in the control group. Statistical analysis using the Friedman and Mann-Whitney U tests confirmed these outcomes as highly significant, suggesting pranayama's potential as a non-pharmacological adjunct to enhance well-being in IDD populations. The findings highlight the physiological and cognitive benefits of breath-regulated yoga in rehabilitative settings and support its integration into institutional care practices.

Keywords: pranayama, intellectual disability, quality of life, yoga therapy, WHOQOL-BREF-ID, non-pharmacological intervention, rehabilitation, breath regulation

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