•  
  •  
 

AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF THE METABOLIC COST OF THE YOGA SEQUENCE SURYA NAMASKAR B

J.A. Kloubec

Abstract

AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF THE METABOLIC COST OF THE YOGA SEQUENCE SURYA NAMASKAR B

JA Kloubec

Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN

PURPOSE: Questions around the usefulness of yoga in cardiovascular conditioning and weight loss of are particular interest to western societies today. The purpose of this study was to determine the metabolic cost of a popular sequence of yoga postures (Surya Namaskar B in the Asthanga tradition). METHODS: Twenty female subjects (mean age = 40.75±13) who had familiarity with the sequence and had at least five years of yoga experience were recruited. Subjects followed a 22 minute DVD to ensure consistency of movement and timing of postures. RESULTS: Subjects mean heart rate (HRmean) at rest was recorded as 76.05±14 b.min-1. After the initial five minutes of the sequence subjects were able to achieve and maintain 71% average of their age predicted HR max (126±20 b.min-1.) throughout the remainder of the sequence. Mean maximal VO2 was 16.8 ±2.43ml.kg-1.min-1 or approximately 4.85 METS; peak caloric expenditure was 5.38± 1.26 Kcal.min-1. CONCLUSION: Heart rate response indicated that Surya Namaskar B may elicit a training effect on the cardiorespiratory system, however direct measure of VO2 failed to reflect this intensity of exercise. Results indicate that yoga practiced in this manner is of low to moderate intensity and may be sufficient to induce moderate training effects if performed for longer durations (i.e., 30-60 minutes).

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS