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THE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF RESTORATIVE YOGA AFTER AEROBIC EXERCISE

Abstract

A. Pociernicki, C.P. Katica

Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA

Restorative yoga is a yoga practice used to release tension within the body and mind through long-held poses. These poses are meant to help with restoring the parasympathetic nervous system, decrease stress, and provide a period of relaxation and rest to the body. PURPOSE: To determine the physiological effects of restorative yoga after performing aerobic exercise on heart rate (HR) and lactic acid accumulation. METHODS: Twenty participants (ten male and ten female) between the ages of 18 and 30 with athletic experience in cross country, track, or soccer will be recruited. Participants with chronic injuries in the legs/lower back, cardiopulmonary diseases, respiratory problems or other diseases which affect exercising will not be recruited for the study. Before and after conducting the study, the participants will complete a yoga opinion-based questionnaire. There will be one familiarization trial, followed by two experimental trials. Each trial will be held on different days and will be separated by at least 48 hours. Initially, during the familiarization trial, individuals will undergo a graded exercise test on a treadmill to calculate each individual's VO2max. Following the graded exercise test, participants will be instructed on the restorative yoga poses that will be completed throughout the experimental trials. The two experimental trials will be conducted in a counterbalance order in which the participants will either perform the yoga poses or passive recovery following aerobic exercise. The experimental trials will include a five-minute warm up on the treadmill at the participant’s selected pace. Following the warmup, participants will then complete a one mile run at 75% of their respective VO2max. Following the one mile run, individuals will either perform four selected yoga poses or undergo passive recovery. During recovery HR (bpm), O2 saturation (%) and lactate accumulation will be assessed every minute following cessation of exercise for a duration of 20 minutes. POSSIBLE IMPACTS: Display a decrease in heart rate and lactate accumulation. Possible psychological impacts towards exercise, performance, and approaches to everyday activities. To provide another possible recovery outlet to athletes with increased relaxation to the muscles.

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