Kinematics of suryanamaskar using three-dimensional motion capture

Abstract

Background: Suryanamaskar, a composite yogasana consisting of a sequence of 12-consecutive poses, producing a balance between flexion and extension is known to have positive health benefits for obesity and physical fitness management, upper limb muscle endurance, and body flexibility. However, limited information is available on biomechanical demands of Suryanamaskar, i.e., kinematic and kinetic. Aims: The present study aimed to explore the kinematics of spine, upper, and lower extremity during Suryanamaskar to enhance greater understanding of Suryanamaskar required for safe and precise prescription in the management of musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: Three-dimensional motion capture of Suryanamaskar was performed on 10 healthy trained yoga practitioners with 12-camera Vicon System (Oxford Metrics Group, UK) at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz using 39 retro-reflective markers. Data were processed using plug-in-gait model. Analog data were filtered at 10Hz. Joint angles of the spine, upper, and lower extremities during 12-subsequent poses were computed within Vicon Nexus. Results: Joint motion was largely symmetrical in all poses except pose 4 and 9. The spine moved through a range of 58° flexion to 44° extension. In the lower quadrant, hip moved from 134° flexion to 15° extension, knee flexed to a maximum of 140°, and 3° hyperextension. Ankle moved in a closed kinematic chain through 40° dorsiflexion to 10° plantarflexion. In the upper quadrant, maximum neck extension was76°, shoulder moved through the overhead extension of 183°–56° flexion, elbow through 22°–116° flexion, and wrist from 85° to 3° wrist extension. Conclusions: Alternating wide range of transition between flexion and extension during Suryanamaskar holds potential to increase the mobility of almost all body joints, with stretch on anterior and posterior soft tissues and challenge postural balance mechanisms through a varying base of support.

Exploration of muscle activity using surface electromyography while performing surya namaskar

“…In our previous study, it was observed that Surya Namaskar moved joints of the spine and lower extremity across high range of motion in alternating flexion-extension movements. [ 17 ] Although it is argued that spine extension exercises may increase loads on apophyseal joints of the lumbar spine, it is speculated that these loads may be off-set by alternate flexion-extension movements in Surya Namaskar, performed in a slow, rhythmic pace. It would also prove to be a beneficial exercise, which can be adopted for gentle stretching of the erector spinae muscle and posterior soft-tissue structures of the hip observed in swayback posture, which is known to cause increased stress on the lumbosacral junction.…”

“…Large transitions of body segments during Surya Namaskar resulted in large excursion of COM in vertical and anteroposterior directions, thereby activating postural control mechanisms and muscle activity necessary to maintain the stability of the body in all 12 asanas (poses). [ 17 ] Precise knowledge of muscle activity during 12 asanas can be used to target specific muscle weakness encountered in clinical practice while treating musculoskeletal disorders. [ 29 ]…”

“…Surya Namaskar or “sun salutation” is an ancient form of yogasana, practiced as a sequence of 12-consecutive poses, performed with synchronized breathing. [ 17 ] Various studies have explored the effects of Surya Namaskar on stress,[ 18 ] physical fitness,[ 9 ] pulmonary function,[ 19 ] physiological function,[ 20 ] reaction time, heart rate,[ 21 ] and OA. [ 22 ] One study reports muscle activity during Surya Namaskar in yoga practitioners with varying levels of skill.…”

Insights on Surya namaskar from its origin to application towards health

“…Surya namaskar increases the mobility of almost all the joints of the body evident from kinematics studies using three-dimensional motion capture in ten healthy Y oga practitioners [ 11 ]. Different poses of S urya namaskar are reported to produce specific muscle activation patterns depending on the practitioner's skill levels [ 12 ].…”

Biomechanical Characteristics on the Lower Extremity of Three Typical Yoga Manoeuvres

“…Reduced lower limb abductor and adductor joint moments were also found to be prevalent in elderly people [29], and this reduced strength was associated with higher risks of falls [30]. The great hip adduction moments present in the yoga movements may suggest that the practice of yoga can be considered for future studies regarding training mechanisms that reduce falls, thereby improving dynamic stability [31].…”