Abstract
It has recently been suggested that yogic philosophy provides a model for occupational therapy and that meditation and pranayama (yogic breathing exercises) can facilitate occupational performance. This literature review was undertaken to determine whether there is any evidence to support the use of pranayama to facilitate occupational performance. A literature search using AMED, BNI, CINAHL, HMIC, Medline and Old Medline for the term `pranayama', limited to English language human research uncovered seven articles clinically applicable to occupational performance. The evidence suggests pranayama can influence, arousal, metabolism and exercise tolerance. Slow alternate nostril breathing should be considered when anxiety impairs occupational performance, and right nostril breathing should be considered for obesity, lethargy, and symptoms of hypothyroidism or similar metabolic disorders that inhibit function. Further research is required for evidence-based application of other pranayama techniques.
