Suryanamaskar: An equivalent approach towards management of physical fitness in obese females

Abstract

Background:In India, obesity is highly prevalent in women as compared to men. As the obesity epidemic spreads, there are growing concerns about efficient obesity management.Aims:To compare between circuit training (CT), treadmill (TM) walking and suryanamaskar (SN) training in weight management and physical fitness enhancement in obese females.Settings and Designs:Comparative controlled study conducted in a community setting.Materials and Methods:119 females of age between 20 and 40 years of body mass index (BMI) between 25.1 and 34.9 kg/m2. 87 participants completed the study. Group 1: CT; group 2: TM walking; group 3: Modified SN; group 4: Control. Outcome Measures: Body composition, cardio-respiratory and muscle endurance, flexibility.Statistical Analysis:Within-group data was analyzed with the paired t-test. P =0.05. Analysis between the groups was done using one way ANOVA test. Analysis between the groups was done using ANCOVA test controlling for baseline differences only for those variables that have significant differences at baseline. For those which do not have significant difference at baseline, RMANOVA was done at end of 8 weeks.Results:Reducation in mean body weight in CT group (2.2%), TM (1.7%) and SN (1.6%), (P < 0.05), BMI in all the three groups (P < 0.01), total body fat % in the CT (5%) and SN (3.7%), (P < 0.01), metabolic age with CT (2%) and TM (2%), (P = 0.001). Improvement in muscle mass in CT (4%, P = 0.009), VO2max in CT group by 17.2%, SN (14%), TM group (8%) (P < 0.05). Upper limb Muscle endurance in CT (51.3%), SN group (51.24%) and in TM group (40%), (P = 0.05), in lower limb TM (21.2%) and SN (24.5%) (P = 0.05), flexibility in SN (12.4%, P = 0.0001).Conclusions:All three methods were effective in weight and physical fitness management. CT and SN were more effective in improving cardio-respiratory fitness and upper limb muscle endurance while only SN was effective in improving body flexibility.

Exploration of muscle activity using surface electromyography while performing surya namaskar

“…Yogasanas move the spine and lower extremities through a wide range of motion and are used to achieve fitness and rehabilitation of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. [ 9 ] Yogasanas use tonic muscle contraction, co-ordinated with breathing control and kinesthetic awareness, which economizes on energy compared to phasic muscle contraction, often observed in physical exercises. Co-ordinated, rhythmical activities during yogasanas result in correction of postural deviations, and muscle imbalance, increase in joint mobility and muscle strength, stimulation of postural control mechanisms, and expanded self-awareness without undue fatigue.…”

“…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.…”

Kinematics of suryanamaskar using three-dimensional motion capture

“…It is a sequence of 12-consecutive poses, producing a balance between flexion and extension, performed with synchronized breathing. [1] Performing asanas in continuous sequencing, such as sun salutation and performing asanas individually, may confer different benefits to the body. However, Suryanamaskar definitely helps in better calorie burn.…”

“…Combination of series of Yogasanas performed with breathing control and mindfulness have demonstrated reduction in diastolic blood pressure, improved cardiorespiratory fitness, myocardial perfusion, serum cholesterol, upper limb muscle endurance, body flexibility, balance, bone density, and overall positive benefits for weight and physical fitness management. [123456789] However, the effect of individual asanas remains unexplored.…”

Unsubstantiated conclusions from improper statistical design and analysis of a randomized controlled trial

“…The randomization process generally consists of two steps: (1) Generating an unpredictable random sequence and (2) implementing the sequence in a way that conceals the treatment until subjects have been formally assigned to their groups. The protocol is described as assigning subjects “as they were recruited with n in group 1, n+1 in group 2,… and so on.”[ 1 ] It is unclear if they put the blocks of individuals into groups or individuals themselves, but either method is not random if the order of enrollment is exclusively defining treatment allocation. With sequential enrollment, knowledge of the next participant assignment increases the risk of bias to include or exclude a potential participant based on demographic characteristics.…”