A comparison of EMG output of four lower extremity muscles during selected yoga postures

Kelley, Kathleen K.; Giannico, Kristianna; Lesnett, Gabrielle; Romano, Alyssa

doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.01.005

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…The EMG results showed differences in frontal and sagittal plane muscle activation between the single-limb and double-limb poses. In another study conducted 1 year later, they examined the muscle activation during single-limb yoga poses (Tree, Half-Moon, and Warrior 3) in comparison with a resting pose (mountain pose) [25]. They concluded that single-limb yoga poses require the increased use of the ankle musculature compared with the thigh musculature.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Training Benefits and Injury Risks of Standing Yoga Applied in Musculoskeletal Problems: Lower Limb Biomechanical Analysis

Liu

Chu

Lin

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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Standing yoga poses strengthen a person’s legs and helps to achieve the goal of musculoskeletal rehabilitation, but inadequate exercise planning can cause injuries. This study investigated changes in the electromyogram and joint moments of force (JMOFs) of lower extremities during common standing yoga poses in order to explore the feasibility and possible injury risk in dealing with musculoskeletal problems. Eleven yoga instructors were recruited to execute five yoga poses (Chair, Tree, Warrior 1, 2, and 3). The results revealed significant differences in hip, knee, and ankle JMOFs and varying degrees of muscle activation among the poses. Among these poses, rectus femoris muscle activation during the Chair pose was the highest, Warrior 2 produced the highest muscle activation in the vastus lateralis of the front limb, while Warrior 1 had the highest muscle activation in the vastus medialis of the back limb. Therefore, all three poses can possibly be suggested as a therapeutic intervention for quadriceps strengthening. Warrior 1 was possibly suggested as a therapeutic intervention in order to reduce excessive lateral overload of the patella, but the possible adverse effects of Warrior 2 with the highest knee adductor JMOF in the back limb could raise joint reaction forces across the medial condyles. In single-leg balance postures, Warrior 3 had unique training effects on the hamstring, and is therefore suggested as a part of hamstring rehabilitation exercises. The Tree pose induced low lower-extremity JMOFs and a low level of thigh muscle activations when it was performed by senior instructors with excellent balance control; however, for yoga beginners with insufficient stability, it will be a useful training mode for strengthening the muscles that help to keep one upright. This study quantified the physical demands of yoga poses using biomechanical data and elucidated the structures and principles underlying each yoga movement. This is crucial for yoga practitioners.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Training Benefits and Injury Risks of Standing Yoga Applied in Musculoskeletal Problems: Lower Limb Biomechanical Analysis

Liu

Chu

Lin

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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“…According to Mears et al [26], special attention should be paid to the ankle joint during single-leg poses because its loading is the highest due to the chosen ankle balance strategy. Moreover, Kelley et al [27] noticed with sEMG that one-legged yoga poses require increased use of the ankle musculature when compared to thigh muscles. Therefore, in those asanas, especially cautious should be people with a history of an ankle injury, like in the presented case [28].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Objective Movement Analysis in the Control of Yoga Asanas: A Case Study

Fronczek,

Kopacz,

Kopacz

et al. 2024

Complement Med Res

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Introduction: Yoga is classified as a form of complementary and alternative medicine. It can be used in many disciplines including: physiotherapy, medicine and sport. The objective of the study was to identify possible biomechanical problems during yoga practice, to minimize the risk of injury. Case presentation: Objective evaluation of the symmetry of asanas, balance, stability and muscle tension was provided in case of a 37-year-old woman, practicing mainly aerial and Hatha yoga for 6 years. The bigger body tilt and deviations in Center of Pressure parameters were observed in tadasana during forward examinations. In tadasana, the highest muscle activity was observed in the rectus femoris. In the case of forward tadasana observation, the highest activity was found in the gastrocnemius and in the lumbar portion of the erector spinae. During backward tadasana trial, the most active were tibialis anterior and rectus femoris muscles. In garudasana and natarajasana, the symmetry of the trunk position in relation to the lower limbs was observed regardless of the supporting limb. In the same way, Center of Pressure parameters in garudasana were similar regardless of the supporting limb. However, in natarajasana the higher COP displacement parameters were observed in the case of the non-dominant supporting limb. As for the electromyographic evaluation of garudasana and natarajasana, the highest muscle activity was observed in the lumbar portion of the erector spinae. In chakrasana, a slightly greater angle of the hip extension was observed in the left hip. A higher muscle activity in chakrasana was observed in the lumbar portion of the right erector spinae. In sirsasana, no significant displacements of the cervical spine were observed but a higher activity of the left sternocleidomastoid muscle was found. Conclusion: With the use of objective movement analysis possible biomechanical problems were identified. Attention should be paid to the normalization of the tension in the lumbar part of the right erector spinae and the right sternocleidomastoid muscle, as well as to the balance training in positions on non-dominant lower limb. Objective movement analysis can be a useful tool for instructors or physiotherapists to adjust yoga programs and to correct asanas in order to avoid future injuries.

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“…[ 6 ] Similarly, increased activation of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius is observed during single-limb standing poses when compared to a rest pose (Mountain Pose). [ 7 14 ] Variation in muscle activation patterns in standing poses is observed to be dependent on trunk and pelvic positions during yogasanas. [ 15 ] Recently, a mathematical model using optical motion capture and surface electromyography (sEMG) has been developed to study muscle activation patterns during yogasana.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploration of muscle activity using surface electromyography while performing surya namaskar

2020

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Background: Limited information is available to understand the muscular demands of composite yogasanas such as Surya Namaskar, which is essential to guide prescription of Surya Namaskar in management of commonly prevalent musculoskeletal disorders such as back and knee pain. Aim: Therefore, muscle activation pattern in prime accessible muscles of the trunk and lower extremity, namely lower trapezius, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, rectus abdominis, gluteus maximus, vastus lateralis, and gastrocnemius, was explored during the traditional 12-pose sequence of Surya Namaskar. Methodology: Muscle activity of 8 healthy trained yoga practitioners (5 females and 3 males) was recorded using wireless, eight-channel surface electromyography (sEMG) system at a sampling rate of 2000 Hz and bandwidth of 20–450 Hz. Data were processed using EMGworks analysis software, and root mean square values were normalized against muscle activity during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Results: The 12-pose sequence of Surya Namaskar activated muscles of the trunk, upper and lower extremities to a varying extent, in each pose. During sustenance, erector spinae demonstrated the highest muscle activation in Hastapadasana (64.7% MVC in Pose 3and 64.3% MVC in Pose 11), lower trapezius during Hastapadasana (41.9% MVC in Pose 3and 39.2% in Pose 11); latissimus dorsi during Bhujangasana (37.4% MVC), Ashtangasana (34.9% MVC), and Parvatasana (34.6% MVC in Pose 8,); gluteus maximus in Ashwa Sanchalanasana (38.5% MVC in Poses 9 and 4); and vastus lateralis in Ashwa Sanchalanasana (34.9% MVC). Rectus abdominis demonstrated low activation throughout Surya Namaskar, presenting the highest activation during Parvatasana (22.8% MVC). All recorded muscles demonstrated greater activation during transition compared to sustenance of pose. Conclusion: Surya Namaskar elicited high-to-moderate muscle activation of major postural muscles of the trunk and lower extremity during alternating flexion-extension movements of the spine, supporting its prescription in prevention and management of mechanical low back pain among vulnerable groups of people.

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A comparison of EMG output of four lower extremity muscles during selected yoga postures

Cited by 8 publications

References 6 publications

Training Benefits and Injury Risks of Standing Yoga Applied in Musculoskeletal Problems: Lower Limb Biomechanical Analysis

Training Benefits and Injury Risks of Standing Yoga Applied in Musculoskeletal Problems: Lower Limb Biomechanical Analysis

The Role of Objective Movement Analysis in the Control of Yoga Asanas: A Case Study

Exploration of muscle activity using surface electromyography while performing surya namaskar

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