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The Impact of Hatha Yoga Practice on Flexibility: A Pilot Study

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Background: In modern times people have to cope daily with various challenges that can leave an impact on their body flexibility. Physical inactivity is one of the reasons for the diminishment of our natural body flexibility. The consequence of physical inactivity is decreased flexibility of soft tissues surrounding joints. Simple yoga techniques including body postures and breathing techniques can restore natural body flexibility. Methods: Our study involved 9 young healthy females (mean age 23.8 ± 2.9 years). The training program was held twice a week over a period of five months. The program included therapeutic yoga exercises, with the aim of increasing joint mobility as well as stretching shortened skeletal muscles. We used goniometric measurement procedures for measuring joint mobility (for shoulder, hip and ankle joints), linear measurement procedures for measuring the active mobility of the thoracolumbar part of the spine and specific assessing tests for evaluating skeletal muscle shortness. Measurements of body flexibility were taken three times over the five months period. Results: The results obtained by measuring joint mobility showed significant increase of mobility in elevation through abduction, shoulder retroflexion, hip flexion, internal and external hip rotation, dorsal flexion and inversion of the ankle. The mobility of the thoracolumbar part of the spine was increased in all the measured movements: flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation of the spine. There was also a significant improvement in the flexibility of m. Soleus, m. Gastrocnemius, m. Rectus femoris, knee flexors and m. Pectoralis major. A significant improvement in body flexibility was also confirmed by the “Back Scratch Test” and the “Sit and Reach Test”. Conclusion: Improved body flexibility is one of the most obvious and quickly achieved effects of regular hatha yoga practice. The results of this study confirm that regular practice of yoga has a significant effect on body flexibility in young healthy women, which is particularly obvious in measurements of the increase of the flexibility of skeletal muscles.
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The Impact of Hatha Yoga Practice on Flexibility: A Pilot Study
Maja Petrič*, Renata Vauhnik and Miroljub Jakovljević
Cesta v log 24, Ljubljana, Slovenia
*Corresponding author: Maja Petrič, Cesta v log 24, Ljubljana, Slovenia 1351,Slovenia, Tel: +386-31-744-564; E-mail: maja.53c@gmail.com
Rec date: Feb 19, 2014; Acc date: Apr 09, 2014; Pub date: Apr 11, 2014
Copyright: © 2014 Petrič M, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Abstract
Background: In modern times people have to cope daily with various challenges that can leave an impact on
their body flexibility. Physical inactivity is one of the reasons for the diminishment of our natural body flexibility. The
consequence of physical inactivity is decreased flexibility of soft tissues surrounding joints. Simple yoga techniques
including body postures and breathing techniques can restore natural body flexibility.
Methods: Our study involved 9 young healthy females (mean age 23.8 ± 2.9 years). The training program was
held twice a week over a period of five months. The program included therapeutic yoga exercises, with the aim of
increasing joint mobility as well as stretching shortened skeletal muscles. We used goniometric measurement
procedures for measuring joint mobility (for shoulder, hip and ankle joints), linear measurement procedures for
measuring the active mobility of the thoracolumbar part of the spine and specific assessing tests for evaluating
skeletal muscle shortness. Measurements of body flexibility were taken three times over the five months period.
Results: The results obtained by measuring joint mobility showed significant increase of mobility in elevation
through abduction, shoulder retroflexion, hip flexion, internal and external hip rotation, dorsal flexion and inversion of
the ankle. The mobility of the thoracolumbar part of the spine was increased in all the measured movements: flexion,
extension, lateral flexion and rotation of the spine. There was also a significant improvement in the flexibility of m.
Soleus, m. Gastrocnemius, m. Rectus femoris, knee flexors and m. Pectoralis major. A significant improvement in
body flexibility was also confirmed by the “Back Scratch Test” and the “Sit and Reach Test”.
Conclusion: Improved body flexibility is one of the most obvious and quickly achieved effects of regular hatha
yoga practice. The results of this study confirm that regular practice of yoga has a significant effect on body flexibility
in young healthy women, which is particularly obvious in measurements of the increase of the flexibility of skeletal
muscles.
Keywords: Yoga; Flexibility; Therapeutic effects
Introduction
Regular physical activity is one of the bases of a healthy lifestyle. It
creates and maintains general well-being, physical and mental health,
as well as promoting human performance in all areas of life. Physical
inactivity is one of the reasons for the diminishment of our natural
body flexibility and strength; it dulls our senses and generally reduces
the awareness of our own body. Eventually, all this results in poor
posture, which, by it, can lead to pain and injury. In addition to
reduced physical activity, stress has a large and equally negative impact
on health, and stress is becoming quite common nowadays. We are
not always able to influence the external environment, but we can
control our body, breathing, mind and emotions, and thus can prevent
or at least mitigate the negative effects of stress on our health. This is
probably the most common reason why yoga and other similar forms
of exercise are so accepted and popular in modern societies. Yoga
enables us to reconnect the body, breath and mind into a whole and
thus improve awareness of our own body [1].
Mobility is defined as the ability to move body structures or parts of
the body through the existing range of motion for a functional activity
(functional range of motion) [2]. Mobility referring to the functional
range of motion is strongly associated with joint integrity as well as
flexibility. The term flexibility in this context means the elasticity of
soft tissues that cross or surround joints (muscles, tendons, fascia,
articular capsule, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, skin), and is
absolutely necessary for painless movement of the body [2]. In most
situations flexibility does not depend solely on the actual length of soft
tissues, for example muscle or muscle fibers forming the muscles. The
length of an active muscle, its tone and the length of its stretch also
depend on proprioceptive nerve endings in the muscle [3]. The length
of stretch, regarding the adequacy, safety and functionality of stretch,
is therefore controlled by the nervous system, which consequently
affects the range of motion of the joint surrounded by the soft tissue
[3].
There can be many different reasons for reduced range of motion,
but one of them definitely is muscle shortness, which occurs as a result
of physical inactivity and putting irregular or excessive pressure on
muscles and other soft tissues crossing or surrounding joints.
However, not all the muscles respond to the above-mentioned
pathological stimuli with shortening. This response is typical for
predominantly tonic, postural muscles whose main function is to
maintain the posture [4]. Another group of muscles, mainly phasic
muscles, is involved in carrying movements in daily activities. Those
muscles respond by weakness under incorrect or excessive pressure
[4]. If there is shortness of tonic muscles, this aggravates the weakness
of phasic muscles, and vice versa. Therefore there has to be a balanced
Alternative & Integrative
Medicine Petric et al., Altern Integ Med 2014, 3:2
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Research Article Open Access
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ISSN:2327-5162 AIM, an open access journal Volume 3 • Issue 2 • 160
and coordinated action of both muscle groups for the normal
functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
Improved flexibility is one of the most obvious and quickly
achieved effects of regular yoga practice, since this is based on gradual
stretching of muscle and connective tissue around bones and joints
[5], static retention of yoga poses and movements of joints throughout
the entire existing range of motion [6]. The latter provide straight-line
compression and lubrication of articular cartilage by the synovial fluid,
thereby bringing fresh nutrients and oxygen to those parts of joint
cartilage which are rarely used in everyday activities [6].
In this research we examine the quantitative impact of regular yoga
practice on body flexibility in young healthy females. Most of the
published studies of the impact of yoga practice on flexibility only
measure the general flexibility of the upper and/or lower part of the
body. The most commonly used tests are versions of the “Sit and
Reach Test” [7-10] and the “Back Scratch Test” [8]. Among the studies
taken into consideration none observes changes in mobility of
individual joints by goniometric measurement procedures, isolated
flexibility of the spine or the impact of yoga practice on the flexibility
of individual skeletal muscles.
Materials and Methods
Healthy, young subjects were recruited by flyer from our local
community. No incentives were offered other than the yoga classes
and physiotherapeutic testing. Following approval of The National
Medical Ethics Committee of the Republic of Slovenia, written
informed consent was obtained from 10 young healthy females who
volunteered to participate. All participants were healthy, and did not
present recent skeletal or muscle injuries. Furthermore, all participants
fulfilled the condition for participation in this study, namely that they
had not participated in yoga or any other activities aimed at increasing
flexibility for a period of 6 months prior to the start of our training
program. Nine females (mean age 23.8 ± 2.9 years) completed the
study; one subject dropped out during the second half of the study and
declined to perform last testing.
In present study we performed the so-called hatha yoga. The
training program of hatha yoga was held twice a week (in 75 minutes
sessions) over a period of five months, performed solely for the
purposes of this study. The training was led by certified yoga teachers.
The program included therapeutic yoga exercises aimed at increasing
joint mobility as well as stretching shortened skeletal muscles. Each
training session consisted of 10 minutes of pranayama (controlled
breathing exercises), 10 minutes of warm-up exercises, 45 minutes of
asana practice (yoga poses) and 10 minutes of relaxation.
We used goniometric measurement procedures [11] for measuring
joint mobility. An universal goniometer (Baseline measurement
instruments, ZDA) was used to measure the range of motion at the
shoulder (elevation through anteflexion, elevation through abduction,
retroflexion, internal and external rotation), hip (flexion, extension,
abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation) and ankle joints
(dorsal/plantar flexion, eversion and inversion) bilaterally. All
goniometric measurements were passive, performed by examiner [11].
The active mobility of the thoracolumbar part of the spine was
measured by linear measurement procedures [11]. Flexion, extension
and lateral flexion range of motion recorded was difference between
initial and final measurement of distance between the spinous process
of C7 and S1 vertebra in an erect posture and final flexion/extension/
lateral flexion of the spine. For measuring rotation of the
thoracolumbar spine a measuring tape was aligned with 0 cm at
acromion and maintained against subject's back to pelvic opposite
spina iliaca anterior superior. Rotation range of motion was difference
between length measured at erect sitting posture (initial measurement)
and length measured at end of rotation motion (final measurement)
[11].
Specific muscle length tests were used for evaluating skeletal muscle
shortness [4,11]. For measurement of m. Soleus length the ankle dorsal
flexion with the knee flexed was performed [11]. Same motion, but
with the knee extended, was used for measuring the length of m.
Gastrocnemius. The shortness of m. Rectus femoris was assessing by
knee flexion while hip was extended in supine position [11].
Hamstring muscles (m. Semimembranosus, m. Semitendinosus and
m. Biceps femoris) shortness were assessing with maximal hip flexion
maintaining the knee extended [11]. With shoulder elevation through
abduction we tested the flexibility of m. Pectoralis major [11]. For
subject all motions at muscle length testing were passive, performed by
examiner [11].
We also used the “Back Scratch Test” [11,12] for evaluating overall
shoulder flexibility, and the “Sit and Reach Test” [11,13,14] for low
back and hamstring flexibility. The “Back Scratch Test” involves
reaching behind the head with one hand and behind the back with the
other. We measure the distance between (or overlap of) the middle
fingers behind the back [12]. The “Sit and Reach Test” was performed
by having the subject assume the long sitting posture and reach
forward with both hands as far as possible, not allowing the knees to
flex. A score was given based on the most distant point reached by
both hands [14].
All the above-mentioned measurements of body flexibility were
taken three times over the five months period; first at the beginning of
the training program, next after 2 months of training and finally, at the
end of the 5 months training program. All the measures were taken
prior the yoga session or at least one day after it. Since the flexibility of
soft tissues in women is subject to minimal changes in relation to the
phase of the menstrual cycle [15], we measured all participants in the
same phase of the cycle, on the 6th day of the ovulation.
The results are presented with descriptive statistics (mean range of
motion ± standard deviation (SD)). We compared baseline
measurements to the results obtained after two months of training,
and after five months of training (change of motion in °/cm).
Clinically significant changes in flexibility were ≥ 5°. To analyze the
differences between periods we used the analysis of variance for
repeated measurements (ANOVA, p ≤ 0.05) and Student’s »post hoc« t
test with Bonferroni correction (p ≤ 0.05). The analysis was performed
with the statistical program MedCalc (version 11.1.0.0).
Results
The average attendance at the training was 77.5% (27.9 ± 4.0 hours
of a total of 36 hours of yoga practice). The attendance was higher in
the first part of the training program (before the 2nd measurement).
As shown by the first measurement, all participants had some
deviations from the normal range of motion [11] at the beginning of
the training program (Table 1). For most of the measurements the
flexibility increased steadily on both measured sides and there was a
reduction in the differences between the range of motion on the left
and right measured side through the research.
Citation: Petric M, Vauhnik R, Jakovljevic M (2014) The Impact of Hatha Yoga Practice on Flexibility: A Pilot Study. Altern Integ Med 3: 160. doi:
10.4172/2327-5162.1000160
Page 2 of 5
Altern Integ Med
ISSN:2327-5162 AIM, an open access journal Volume 3 • Issue 2 • 160
The results obtained by measuring joint mobility showed significant
increase of mobility in elevation through abduction, shoulder
retroflexion, hip flexion, internal and external hip rotation, dorsal
flexion and inversion of the ankle (Table 1).
Joint mobility (°) 1. 2. 3.
Shoulder elevation through abduction 164.4 ± 6.2 167.5 ± 8.5 172.5 ± 5.8*
Shoulder retroflexion 44.7 ± 5.4 47.8 ± 4.5 50.0 ± 4.4*
Hip flexion 107.8 ± 7.9 112.8 ± 5.3 114.4 ± 6.4*
Internal hip rotation 38.6 ± 4.3 42.2 ± 5.1 43.9 ± 6.6*
External hip rotation 31.1 ± 3.9 35.0 ± 6.0 36.1 ± 4.9*
Ankle dorsal flexion 7.8 ± 3.0 12.5 ± 6.3* 17.2 ± 6.3*
Ankle inversion 20.0 ± 6.0 24.7 ± 6.8 26.7 ± 6.2*
Table 1: Improvements in mobility (mean values ± SD) of shoulder, hip and ankle joints before training (1. measurement), after two months of
training (2. measurement) and at the end of the 5 months training program (3. measurement).
The mobility of the thoracolumbar part of the spine was increased
in all the measured movements: flexion, extension, lateral flexion and
rotation of the spine (Table 2).
Spine mobility (cm) 1. 2. 3.
Flexion 11.1 ± 1.5 12.0 ± 1.8 12.7 ± 1.6*
Extension 6.9 ± 2.6 7.7 ± 2.0 8.4 ± 2.8*
Lateral flexion 1.2 ± 0.5 1.7 ± 0.6* 2.3 ± 0.7*
Rotation 6.2 ± 1.6 6.9 ± 1.2* 7.2 ± 1.0*
Table 2: Improvements in mobility (mean values ± SD) of thoracolumbar part of the spine before training (1. measurement), after two months of
training (2. measurement) and at the end of the 5 months training program (3. measurement).
There was a significant improvement in the flexibility of m. Soleus,
m. Gastrocnemius, m. Rectus femoris, knee flexors and m. Pectoralis
major (Table 3).
Muscle flexibility (°) 1. 2. 3.
m. Soleus
(ankle dorsal flexion with the knee
flexed)
7.8 ± 3.0 12.5 ± 6.3* 17.2 ± 6.3*
m. Gastrocnemius
(ankle dorsal flexion with the knee
extended)
0.6 ± 2.8 3.9 ± 4.9* 7.2 ± 6.3*
m. Rectus femoris
(knee flexion with the hip extended) 55.6 ± 9.7 58.6 ± 8.1 63.6 ± 6.2*
knee flexors
(hip flexion with the knee extended) 80.3 ± 7.9 93.9 ± 8.1* 102.5 ± 12.7*
m. Pectoralis major
(shoulder elevation through abduction) 164.4 ± 6.2 167.5 ± 8.5 172.5 ± 5.8*
Table 3: Improvements in flexibility (mean values ± SD) of skeletal muscles before training (1. measurement), after two months of training (2.
measurement) and at the end of the 5 months training program (3. measurement).
Citation: Petric M, Vauhnik R, Jakovljevic M (2014) The Impact of Hatha Yoga Practice on Flexibility: A Pilot Study. Altern Integ Med 3: 160. doi:
10.4172/2327-5162.1000160
Page 3 of 5
Altern Integ Med
ISSN:2327-5162 AIM, an open access journal Volume 3 • Issue 2 • 160
A significant improvement in body flexibility was also confirmed by
the “Back Scratch Test” for the upper body and the “Sit and Reach
Test” for the lower body (Table 4).
General flexibility (cm) 1. 2. 3.
Back Scratch Test 4.9 ± 7.5 6.2 ± 6.7* 7.4 ± 6.3*
Sit and Reach Test 0.1 ± 10.0 7.8 ± 8.0* 12.9 ± 6.6*
Table 4: Improvements in general flexibility (mean values ± SD) of the upper and lower part of the body before training (1. measurement), after
two months of training (2. measurement) and at the end of the 5 months training program (3. measurement).
Discussion
Improved body flexibility is one of the most obvious and quickly
achieved effects of regular hatha yoga practice, which was confirmed
also by the results of our study. As found in previous studies, regular
yoga practice helps to increase joint mobility primarily in older people
[16]. Thus in our study, focusing on young and healthy participants, a
significant improvement in joint mobility had not been expected.
However, the mobility of some joints did increase significantly. Given
that the participants were young, healthy persons with no recent
skeletal or muscle injuries, we may assume that the cause of initially
limited joint mobility was not reduced sliding of articulating surfaces.
The reasons can be found in the shortness of the soft tissues
surrounding the joints, especially in reduced skeletal muscle flexibility.
Among all the forms of yoga, hatha yoga is the one that gives the
most priority to the importance of physical fitness. Based on the
interpretation of the word hatha – in Sanskrit the syllable “ha” means
the sun, male energy, strength, and “tha” means the moon, female
energy, flexibility [1] – it can be summarized that hatha yoga is a
dynamic balance between strength and flexibility, which concerns the
physical, mental and also emotional level [1].
Some of the published research papers studied the effect of regular
yoga practice on the general flexibility of the upper and/or lower body.
Some of these studies lasted for 8 weeks [7-9], so their results can be
compared with the results of our first mid-term measurement, which
was also carried out after 8 weeks of practicing yoga. In the above-
mentioned studies lower body flexibility improved by 4.1 cm [7], 0.9
cm (used test version: “Chair Sit and Reach Test”) [8] and 10.0 cm [9]
after 8 weeks of training program. One study also measured flexibility
of the upper body by “Back Scratch Test” and there the increase of
flexibility was 1.3 cm [8]. Our results at the 2nd measurement (after 8
weeks training program) showed for 7.7 ± 5.4 cm greater flexibility in
"Sit and Reach Test" and by 1.3 ± 1.5 cm greater flexibility in "Back
Scratch Test". We found no other similar research monitoring the
impact of regular yoga practice on joint and spine mobility or specific
skeletal muscle flexibility, to compare with the results obtained in this
study.
With yoga practice we can relax many physical dysfunctions and
improve the flexibility of the body. Compared to physiotherapy
procedures, yoga, with its static-dynamic procedures, can also be
discussed as a means of “self-mobilization” of the nervous system and
joints of spine and extremities [17]. In general yoga practice is
performed slowly and gradually, in a closed kinetic chain (specific
poses or static postures), which may include active stretching,
isometric muscle contractions, enhancing concentration and proper
breathing patterns. Conceptually, we can conclude that both
physiotherapy and yoga, each through its own procedures, improve
muscle strength, increase joint mobility and soft tissue flexibility,
mobilize the nervous system, improve body posture, improve
proprioception and thereby encourage better awareness of the body,
releasing trigger points and relieving pain [17]. The National Institutes
of Health (NIH) and the National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) acknowledged yoga as a form of
complementary and alternative medicine in the category of “Mind and
Body Practices” [18]. According to the NCCAM’s definition yoga
therapy is defined as a process of empowering individuals to progress
toward improved health and well-being through the application of the
philosophy and practice of yoga [19].
In recent years there have been a growing number of studies
showing that regular exercise of hatha yoga increases muscle strength
and flexibility [20]. Of course, various styles of yoga can differ greatly.
And depending on the intensity of each yoga style the effects (e.g.
increase of mobility) can be very different as well. One study compares
the effects of two different styles of yoga: ashtanga and hatha yoga
[21]. Ashtanga yoga is a physically demanding form of yoga in which
the majority of poses are dynamically linked in sequences, such as Sun
Salutation, also used in hatha yoga [22]. The study used the “Sit and
Reach Box” test for measuring the flexibility. A group which had
practiced ashtanga yoga improved the flexibility of the body by 20
percent, while a group which had practiced hatha yoga improved it by
14 percent.
Most of the measurements in our study showed greater
improvement in the first part of the training program compared to the
period between the intermediate and the final measurements. There
may be several reasons for that. Most participants in the study
practiced yoga for the first time. Therefore a possible explanation for
the difference in the progress between the periods is that the
participants’ bodies responded better and more quickly to stretching
and relaxation in yoga practice in the first weeks of training, and then
at some point their bodies got used to this kind of exercise and the
progress slowed. Another reason may be higher attendance in the first
part of the training program (8 percent higher attendance). And the
third reason could be a few days break of guided exercise in the second
part of the research program, because of the holidays.
In terms of increasing flexibility the aim of yoga is not
hypermobility but an adequate level of flexibility enabling us to easier
and better use our muscles in everyday activities. For this we need
appropriate flexibility of muscles that maintain posture (tonic
muscles) and adequately strengthened muscles which are responsible
for the movement of the distal segments of the body (phasic muscles)
[4]. In our study yoga proved an effective form of exercise, at least
from the viewpoint of the postural muscles.
The disadvantages of the majority of research of the effects of yoga
on the body (including ours) are a small sample of subjects, varying
duration of the research and different methods of measuring body
Citation: Petric M, Vauhnik R, Jakovljevic M (2014) The Impact of Hatha Yoga Practice on Flexibility: A Pilot Study. Altern Integ Med 3: 160. doi:
10.4172/2327-5162.1000160
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ISSN:2327-5162 AIM, an open access journal Volume 3 • Issue 2 • 160
flexibility. Therefore it would be important to explore this area
through studies of standard duration using standard measurement
procedures, especially on a larger sample of subjects. It would also be
meaningful to further explore the effects of regular yoga practice on
flexibility as well as its impact on stability and protection of the joints
in which mobility is increasing. Further research into the effects of
yoga practice in various pathologies and injuries meant to enhance the
usefulness of yoga techniques in physiotherapy would also be
welcome.
Conclusion
The results of this study confirm that regular practice of hatha yoga
has a significant effect on body flexibility in young healthy women.
This is particularly obvious in measurements of the increase of the
skeletal muscles flexibility.
Acknowledgements
The author thanks to the Faculty of Health Sciences Ljubljana,
Miroljub Jakovljević, PhD, PT, and Renata Vauhnik, PhD, PT, for
inspiring attitude and professional assistance in the creation of this
research. Special thanks are due to yoga teacher Blaž Bertoncelj who
has enabled the implementation of the training program and take care
of the professional conducting of yoga practice.
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Citation: Petric M, Vauhnik R, Jakovljevic M (2014) The Impact of Hatha Yoga Practice on Flexibility: A Pilot Study. Altern Integ Med 3: 160. doi:
10.4172/2327-5162.1000160
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ISSN:2327-5162 AIM, an open access journal Volume 3 • Issue 2 • 160
... Janana yoga is the way of accomplishing knowledge of the true nature of reality through the way of meditation, self-inquiry, and contemplation (Hayes & Timalsina, 2017). Hatha yoga is a type of yoga that uses physical techniques to try protecting and channel the vital force or energy (Petrič et al., 2014). Mantra yoga is a meditation practice that fo-cuses on chanting sacred syllables while also practicing conscious breathing and meditative focus to quiet the mind, cultivate spiritual energy, and achieve states of enlightenment (Vaidik et al., 2020). ...
... The benefits of yoga can be classified as physical, physiological, biochemical, and psychological benefits (Büssing et al., 2012). Various physical benefits of yoga can be achieved, especially by following yoga asana training and maintaining correct posture (Petrič et al., 2014;Y. Sharma et al., 2018). ...
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One of India's spiritual systems, yoga, emphasizes the value of working with the human body to develop good thoughts and behaviours. Additionally, yoga assists in balancing our physical and mental conditions. However, lack of understanding about the impact of yoga in sports seems to have led to a decline in yoga practise specifically among sportsmen and sportswomen. Thus, this narrative review is designed for sportsmen and sportswomen, physical education students, teachers, yoga students, health professionals, and those who are inclined to study yoga. This review identifies a leaner relationship between the systems of yoga and sports, and provides information on the value of yoga in physical education and sports. All the data in this article were collected using search terms including "yoga", "physical education", "asana" and "sports". Various beneficial yoga factors influence sport performance, and these important factors are outlined with appropriate evidence. All the findings included in this review paper highlight the importance of yoga in physical education and sports, and warrant the need of special awareness of the system of yoga in health, physical and sports education.
... The combination of meditation or breath-control exercises, yoga postures (asanas), and deep relaxation practices in yoga are believed to help release stress and reduce anxiety for its practitioners (22,23). Other research reported that yoga practice helps improve motor abilities (6,24), physical fitness parameters (25), health-related physical fitness (26,27), flexibility, balance, strength, and coordination (28)(29)(30)(31) in different aged groups. ...
... Some stretching postures like Urdhva Hastasana, Ardha Uttanasana, Virabhadrasana I, Virabhadrasana 2, Phalakasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana may enhance the flexibility of the preschooler participants that can be seen in the result of the shoulder flexibility test with a 13.03 % change in mean scores between the two groups. The results are also in line with many previous studies which explored that yoga training programs could enhance young adults' flexibility (28). In another study, Grabara indicated that yoga training could increase first-year students' spine flexibility (48). ...
... Flexibility is defined as the ability to achieve certain body mechanics or move body parts through a range of motion [18,19]. Increased flexibility is one of the fastest attainable benefits of regular yoga practice, as it is based on the progressive extension of connective tissue and muscles around joints and bones by statically maintaining yoga asanas within the existing range of motion [18]. ...
... Flexibility is defined as the ability to achieve certain body mechanics or move body parts through a range of motion [18,19]. Increased flexibility is one of the fastest attainable benefits of regular yoga practice, as it is based on the progressive extension of connective tissue and muscles around joints and bones by statically maintaining yoga asanas within the existing range of motion [18]. In most studies, the sit and reach test is selected as the measurement index of flexibility [20,21]. ...
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Female college students are more likely to have a strong stress response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which seriously affects their health and merits greater attention. The present study is a randomized controlled trial carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore whether a yoga intervention could have a positive impact on balance and flexibility and be the primary form of home exercise for female college students in China. Forty female college students were randomly selected for the study. After 16 weeks of yoga intervention, the ability of the yoga group to balance on one leg improved by 5.35 seconds (using the single-limb stance test) and 5.7 seconds (using the Romberg test). The flexibility of the lower back and legs increased by 3.5 cm (using the sit and reach test), and the flexibility of the groin and hip increased by 6 cm (using the Splits test). The balance ability and flexibility of the control group before and after the experiment were not significantly different (p>0.05). These results suggest that during the COVID-19 outbreak when access to public facilities was limited, a yoga intervention could have a positive impact on health and be the main form of home exercise for female college students. Schools and government departments could design online yoga classes to encourage individuals to actively participate in yoga to stay healthy.
... The maximum useful complementary and opportunity treatment options have been pronounced to be prayer/non secular healing, rest strategies, counseling/therapy, and healing touch. 6 Cause of Menopause-Naturally declining reproductive hormones-As you approach your late 30s, your ovaries start making less estragon and progesterone the hormones that regulate menstruation and your fertility declines. ...
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Menopause is a physiological stage in a woman when menstruation stops permanently and is a part of every woman's life. Menopausal age is not only a very important biomarker of loss of fertility, but also an increased risk for various mid-life diseases and problems. It is the most common and significant clinical, social, economic and public health problem affecting populations indiscriminately worldwide. Many of these diseases can be prevented by timely lower back pain. In general, natural menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. In India, the average age range at menopause reported in various studies appears to be relatively young, between 41 and 49. At this stage, the ovaries make less estragon and progesterone. When the body produces less of these hormones, the parts of the body that rely on estragon to keep them healthy will react, and this often causes discomfort for women. The World Health Organization defines natural menopause as the permanent cessation of menstruation, which occurs as a result of loss of ovarian follicular activity without any apparent intervention and is confirmed only after twelve consecutive months of Amenorrhoea. Environmental and genetic premature menopause is on the rise in India due to a combination of factors. Observational studies suggest that up to 75% of women experience hot flashes after menopause. Focuses on the relationship between premenopausal and postmenopausal life span and low back pain (LBP). Additionally, it describes physiotherapeutic procedures used to treat low back pain.
... The maximum useful complementary and opportunity treatment options have been pronounced to be prayer/non secular healing, rest strategies, counseling/therapy, and healing touch. 6 Cause of Menopause-Naturally declining reproductive hormones-As you approach your late 30s, your ovaries start making less estragon and progesterone the hormones that regulate menstruation and your fertility declines. ...
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Menopause is a physiological stage in a woman when menstruation stops permanently and is a part of every woman's life. Menopausal age is not only a very important biomarker of loss of fertility, but also an increased risk for various mid-life diseases and problems. It is the most common and significant clinical, social, economic and public health problem affecting populations indiscriminately worldwide. Many of these diseases can be prevented by timely lower back pain. In general, natural menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. In India, the average age range at menopause reported in various studies appears to be relatively young, between 41 and 49. At this stage, the ovaries make less estragon and progesterone. When the body produces less of these hormones, the parts of the body that rely on estragon to keep them healthy will react, and this often causes discomfort for women. The World Health Organization defines natural menopause as the permanent cessation of menstruation, which occurs as a result of loss of ovarian follicular activity without any apparent intervention and is confirmed only after twelve consecutive months of Amenorrhoea. Environmental and genetic premature menopause is on the rise in India due to a combination of factors. Observational studies suggest that up to 75% of women experience hot flashes after menopause. Focuses on the relationship between premenopausal and postmenopausal life span and low back pain (LBP). Additionally, it describes physiotherapeutic procedures used to treat low back pain.
... The slight improvement in the mentioned parameters at the NIG might be related to the spontaneous healing process of the infection. Petric et al. [27] reported that they observed significant biometric changes in shoulder extension and hamstring flexibility tests in their two sessions per week, a five-week-long flexibility study performed on nine healthy women. In their eight-week yoga program, Raj et al. [28] measured physical performance and flexibility with the hamstring tension and sprint speed of male Rugby players during 35-min sessions performed twice a week, and Amin and Goodman [29] conducted a six-week Iyengar yoga program that consisted of 190-min sessions performed once a week. ...
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Objectives The study aimed to investigate the effect of yoga-based exercises on functional capacity, dyspnea, quality of life, depression, anxiety, and sleep quality following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients and methods Forty-one COVID-19-infected healthcare professionals (35 females, 6 males; mean age: 39.7±6.5 years; range, 28 to 55 years) who were actively working during the subacute period were included in the prospective controlled study between March 2021 and September 2021. The participants were divided into two groups: the yoga-based exercise group (YBEG; n=26) and the nonintervention group (n=15). Besides routine recommendations, the YBEG performed stretching, relaxation, isometric strengthening, breathing, and meditation exercises of 60 min twice a week for eight weeks. Clinical outcome was measured with flexibility tests (shoulder flexibility and sit and reach tests), hand grip strength, 6-min walk test, dyspnea score, Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory, Short Form 36 (SF-36) quality of life, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) before and after eight weeks in both groups. Results Beck anxiety scores, IPAQ scores, PSQI, SF-36 pain, and social functioning subparameters were positively statistically significant in the YBEG (p<0.05). The only parameter found to be insignificant in time and between groups was the SF-36 mental health subparameter (p>0.05). In addition, the YBEG had significant improvements in muscle strength, flexibility, functional capacity, physical activity level, quality of life, anxiety, depression levels, and sleep scores between before and after the eight-week intervention period (p<0.05). Conclusion Yoga programs have led to an increase in functional capacity and physical performance, a decrease in anxiety and depression complaints, and an increase in the quality of life in healthcare professionals who were in the process of returning to work during the post-COVID-19.
Thesis
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RESUMO O Yoga é semelhante à prática desportiva. Estruturado, diversificado tecnicamente, trabalha flexibilidade, equilíbrio, força, resistência muscular, coordenação do movimento e a aplicação no treino terá impacto positivo na prestação desportiva. O objectivo principal da Tese: estudar o Impacto de 12 semanas de Yoga na Flexibilidade, Equilíbrio, Força, Velocidade, Agilidade, Défice de Mudança de Direcção e Propriedades Contrácteis de Futebolistas Profissionais. Fizeram-se cinco estudos: 1) Revisão sistemática da literatura que avaliou O Impacto do Yoga na flexibilidade, equilíbrio, força, velocidade e agilidade de futebolistas profissionais; 2) apurou que O Yoga Não Atenua a Velocidade, Agilidade e Défice de Mudança de Direcção em Jogadores Profissionais de Futebol; 3) analisou O Impacto de um Programa de Treino de Yoga sobre as Propriedades Contrácteis Musculares em Jogadores de Futebol de Elite; 4) observou O Impacto de 12 Semanas de Yoga na Flexibilidade, na Força Explosiva e Potência em Jogadores de Futebol Profissional; 5) averiguou O Efeito de um Programa de Yoga de 12 Semanas na Simetria Bilateral, na Força Agonista e Antagonista dos Membros Inferiores e no Desempenho de Jogadores Profissionais de Futebol. Os estudos concluíram na generalidade que o Yoga produziu efeitos positivos na prestação dos futebolistas sendo um método aplicável no treino. Palavras-chave: yoga, futebol-soccer, flexibilidade-equilíbrio-força, velocidade-agilidade, mudançadireção-tensiomiografia. ABSTRACT Yoga is similar to sports. Structured, technically diverse, it works flexibility, balance, strength, muscular endurance, coordination of movement and the application in training will have a positive impact on sports performance. The main objective of the Thesis is to study the impact of 12 weeks of Yoga on Flexibility, Balance, Strength, Speed, Agility, Change of Direction Deficit and Contractile Properties of Professional Footballers. Five studies were made: 1) Systematic review of the literature that evaluated The Impact of Yoga on flexibility, balance, strength, speed and agility of professional footballers; 2) found that Yoga Does Not Attenuate Speed, Agility and Change of Direction Deficit in Professional Soccer Players; 3) analyzed The Impact of a Yoga Training Program on Muscle Contractile Properties in Elite Soccer Players; 4) observed The Impact of 12 Weeks of Yoga on Flexibility, in Explosive Force and Potency in Professional Soccer Players; 5) investigated The Effect of a 12-Week Yoga Program on Bilateral Symmetry, Agonist and Antagonist Force of the Lower Limbs and Performance of Professional Soccer Players. The studies generally concluded that Yoga had a positive effect on the performance of footballers and is an applicable method in training. Key-words: yoga, football-soccer, flexibility-balance-strength, velocity-agility, changeofdirection-tensiomyography.
Chapter
Bu bölüm, esnekliğin her yaş grubundaki önemini ve bu yaş gruplarına uygun egzersiz önerilerini kapsamaktadır. Çocuklar için esneklik egzersizlerinin, fiziksel uygunluğu artırdığı ve motor becerileri geliştirdiği belirtilirken, yaşlı bireylerde ise esnekliği korumanın günlük yaşam aktivitelerini kolaylaştırdığı ve düşme riskini azalttığı vurgulanmaktadır. Ayrıca, dinamik ve statik germe teknikleri gibi farklı esneklik egzersizlerinin nasıl uygulanacağı, egzersizlerin sıklığı ve süresi hakkında detaylı bilgiler verilmektedir. Çocuklar için yaşa göre değişen esneklik seviyeleri ve uygun egzersiz türleri tartışılırken, yaşlılar için haftada en az iki gün, seans başı en az 10 dakika süren egzersizlerin, boyun, omuzlar, sırt ve bacaklar gibi önemli bölgelerde esnekliği artırdığı belirtilmektedir. Pilates ve yoga gibi disiplinlerin, esneklik egzersizleri olarak zihinsel ve fiziksel sağlığa katkıları da ele alınmaktadır .
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Objective: To assess and compare the effects of different stretching exercise programs on pain, stiffness, and physical function disability in older adults with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Data sources: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline for network meta-analysis (NMA). Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by searching seven databases up to December 2022. Study selection: Inclusion criteria included: (1) older adults with KOA; (2) intervention included stretching exercises; (3) control groups received no stretching exercise; and (4) outcome measurements included pain, stiffness, or physical function disability. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials version 2 (RoB2). Data extraction: NMA was performed using R and MetaInsight, with results presented as a standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Data synthesis: We examined 17 studies, and NMA results indicated that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching, mind-body exercises, and multi-component exercise programs were effective in mitigating pain in older adults with KOA (SMD = 2.54 [95% CI: 1.23; 3.84], SMD = 1.09 [95% CI: 0.27; 1.92], SMD = 0.57 [95% CI: 0.06; 1.09]). Moreover, mind-body exercises and multi-component exercises were the most effective programs in reducing stiffness (SMD = 1.31 [95% CI: 0.12; 2.51]) and physical function disability (SMD = 1.67 [95% CI: 0.01; 3.33]) in older adults with KOA, respectively. Conclusion: Findings suggest that PNF stretching, mind-body exercises, and multi-component exercises can be incorporated into exercise programs to better mitigate pain, stiffness, and physical function disability in older adults with KOA.
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The present study aimed to find out the effectiveness of six-week hatha yoga training programme on BMI and health-related quality of life on obese children. For the purpose of the study 10 obese children selected through random purposive sampling technique from Bolpur, Birbhum, West Bengal, India. They were divided into two groups, namely HYG (N-5) and CG (N-5). BMI was calculated through height and weight. SF 36 questionnaire was used to get the information on health-related quality of life. The gathered information were analysed through ANCOVA and the significant level was kept at 0.05. The ANCOVA revealed that the six week hatha yoga training program is effective for the improvement of BMI and health-related quality of life of obese children.
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Este estudio ha tenido por objetivo investigar si existen diferencias en el grado de flexibilidad en las fases del ciclo menstrual de mujeres adultas jóvenes practicantes de gimnasia de academia. La muestra intencional fue compuesta de 20 mujeres, con edades entre 18 a 35 años (25,8 ± 6,06), con ciclo menstrual regular (28 a 32 días) y que no hacían uso de anticonceptivo oral. Datos referentes al ciclo menstrual y actividad física habitual fueron obtenidos a través de una encuesta. La flexibilidad fue medida a través de la goniometría, utilizándose ocho movimientos, en tres fases del ciclo menstrual. Los individuos fueron sometidos a un test hormonal, en donde se verificaron la tasa de estrona, estradiol y progesterona. El tratamiento estadístico fue hecho a través del análisis descriptivo y de inferencia (test de Kolmogorov-Smirnov y ANOVA). Los resultados encontrados mostraron que no hubo diferencia significativa (p < 0,05) en el grado de flexibilidad del grupo estudiado, durante las fases folicular, ovular y final del ciclo menstrual.
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1) to examine the test-retest reproducibility and criterion-related validity of the sit and reach test (SRT) and the toe touch test (TT) for estimating hamstring flexibility measured through the passive straight leg raise test (PSLR); and 2) to determine whether the SRT cut-off scores may be used for the TT test to identify participants in this sample of young healthy adults as having short hamstring flexibility. Test-retest design. Controlled laboratory environment. 243 active recreationally young adults. Participants performed the SRT, the TT test and PSLR twice in a randomized order with a 4-week interval between trials. Reproducibility was examined using typical percentage error (coefficient of variation [CV]) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) as well as their respective confidence limits. Regression and Kappa correlation statistical analyses were performed to study the association of the SRT and TT test with the PSLR test and the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) between SRT and TT test were calculated to explore differences in the mean differences between these measurements. The finding showed acceptable reproducibility measures for SRT (8.74% CV; 0.92 ICC), TT test (9.86% CV; 0.89 ICC) and PSLR (5.46% CV; 0.85 ICC). The SRT (R(2) = 0.63) and TT test (R(2) = 0.49) were significantly associated with PSLR. The 95% LoA between SRT and TT test reported systematic bias (2.84 cm) and wide 95% random error (±9.72 cm). Reproducibility of SRT, TT test and PSLR is acceptable and the criterion-related validity of SRT and TT test is moderate. Furthermore, the SRT cut-off scores should not be used for TT test for the detection of short hamstring muscles.
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Purpose: To develop and validate criterion-referenced fitness standards for older adults that predict the level of capacity needed for maintaining physical independence into later life. The proposed standards were developed for use with a previously validated test battery for older adults-the Senior Fitness Test (Rikli, R. E., & Jones, C. J. (2001). Development and validation of a functional fitness test for community--residing older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 6, 127-159; Rikli, R. E., & Jones, C. J. (1999a). Senior fitness test manual. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.). Methods: A criterion measure to assess physical independence was identified. Next, scores from a subset of 2,140 "moderate-functioning" older adults from a larger cross-sectional database, together with findings from longitudinal research on physical capacity and aging, were used as the basis for proposing fitness standards (performance cut points) associated with having the ability to function independently. Validity and reliability analyses were conducted to test the standards for their accuracy and consistency as predictors of physical independence. Results: Performance standards are presented for men and women ages 60-94 indicating the level of fitness associated with remaining physically independent until late in life. Reliability and validity indicators for the standards ranged between .79 and .97. Implications: The proposed standards provide easy-to-use, previously unavailable methods for evaluating physical capacity in older adults relative to that associated with physical independence. Most importantly, the standards can be used in planning interventions that target specific areas of weakness, thus reducing risk for premature loss of mobility and independence.
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The objective of this study is to assess the findings of selected articles regarding the therapeutic effects of yoga and to provide a comprehensive review of the benefits of regular yoga practice. As participation rates in mind-body fitness programs such as yoga continue to increase, it is important for health care professionals to be informed about the nature of yoga and the evidence of its many therapeutic effects. Thus, this manuscript provides information regarding the therapeutic effects of yoga as it has been studied in various populations concerning a multitude of different ailments and conditions. Therapeutic yoga is defined as the application of yoga postures and practice to the treatment of health conditions and involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent reduce or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional and spiritual pain, suffering or limitations. Results from this study show that yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.
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This study explored the benefits of yoga on functional fitness, flexibility, and perceived stress. A quasi-experimental design was used to measure benefits of yoga in sample of firefighters from a major metropolitan fire department. Yoga classes were conducted on-shift, in the fire stations over the period of 6 weeks. The classes included pranayama (breathing), asana (postures), and savasana (relaxation); 108 firefighters enrolled in the study, most were physically active but had no prior experience with yoga. Baseline and post-yoga assessments were completed by 77 participants. Paired t-tests revealed significant improvements in the Functional Movement Screen, a seven item test that measures functional fitness. Improvements were also noted in trunk flexibility and perceived stress. Participants also reported favorable perceptions of yoga: feeling more focused and less musculoskeletal pain. These findings – along with the retention of the majority of the participants – indicate that participants benefited from yoga.