Analyzing the Musculoskeletal Flexibility in Young Females: The Impact of a Six-Week Surya Namaskar Intervention on Back Flexibility and Lumbar Flexion
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2024.4.06Keywords:
Surya Namaskar, back flexibility, lumbar flexion, female college students, yoga practiceAbstract
Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a structured six-week Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) regimen on back flexibility and lumbar flexion in female college students.
Materials and methods. Thirty female college students from the Gwalior District participated in the study and were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (Surya Namaskar regimen) or a control group. Baseline measurements of age, height, weight, and initial flexibility were recorded. The experimental group engaged in a six-week Surya Namaskar program, while the control group maintained their regular activities. Back flexibility and lumbar flexion were assessed using standardized tests before and after the intervention period.
Results. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in back flexibility and lumbar flexion in the experimental group following the six-week Surya Namaskar regimen. Specifically, the experimental group demonstrated a substantial increase in both back flexibility (mean change ± SD: 3.20 ± 0.95 cm) and lumbar flexion (mean change ± SD: 1.50 ± 0.75 cm), whereas the control group showed no significant changes in these parameters.
Conclusion. The findings underscore the effectiveness of Surya Namaskar in enhancing musculoskeletal flexibility among female college students. Integrating Surya Namaskar into educational programs could potentially benefit physical health by improving back flexibility and lumbar flexion, thus supporting overall musculoskeletal health and reducing the risk of injuries. Further research could examine the long-term effects and mechanisms underlying these improvements across diverse populations.
Downloads
References
Xu, L., Zhang, W., & Han, J J. (2011, February 1). Study on the Effects of Yoga on Female College Students’ Physical and Mental Health. Trans Tech Publications, 187, 164-168. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.187.164 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.187.164
Tripathi, M N., Kumari, S., & Ganpat, T S. (2018, January 1). Psychophysiological effects of yoga on stress in college students. Medknow, 7(1), 43-43. https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_74_17 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_74_17
Yatham, P., Chintamaneni, S., & Stumbar, S E. (2023, August 14). Lessons From India: A Narrative Review of Integrating Yoga Within the US Healthcare System. Cureus, Inc.. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43466 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43466
Joshi, K. (1965, January 1). On the Meaning of Yoga. University of Hawaii Press, 15(1), 53-53. https://doi.org/10.2307/1397408 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1397408
Bertschinger, D., Mendrinos, E., & Dosso, A. (2007, September 25). Yoga can be dangerous glaucomatous visual field defect worsening due to postural yoga. BMJ, 91(10), 1413-1414. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo.2007.114546 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo.2007.114546
Rao, N S K., Keshavan, M S., & Rao, T S. (2013, January 1). Yoga and mental health: Promising road ahead, but proceed with caution. Medknow, 55(7), 329-329. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.116295 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.116295
Ross, A., & Thomas, S. (2010). The Health Benefits of Yoga and Exercise: A Review of Comparison Studies. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(1), 3-12. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2009.0044 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2009.0044
Feuerstein, G. (2002). The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice. Hohm Press.
Iyengar, B.K.S. (1979). Light on Yoga. Schocken Books.
Borg Oliver, S. (2005). Yoga synergy applied anatomy & physiology of yoga, p.20.
Khalsa, S.B.S., Cohen, L., McCall, T., & Telles, S., (2016). The Principles and Practice of Yoga in Health Care, Handspring Publishing Ltd.
Prasanna Venkatesh, L., & Vandhana, S. (2022). Insights on Surya namaskar from its origin to application towards health. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 13(2), 100530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2021.10.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2021.10.002
Omkar, S N. (2012, January 1). Surya Namaskaar for Holistic Well Being: A Comprehensive Review of Surya Namaskaar. OMICS Publishing Group, 02(02). https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7595.1000e109 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7595.1000e109
Malhotra, P. (2017, December 29). Surya namaskar: a way to relax the mind. MedCrave Group, 1(6). https://doi.org/10.15406/smdij.2017.01.00028 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15406/smdij.2017.01.00028
Javadekar, P., & K, M M K. (2012, January 1). Effect of Surya Namaskar on Sustained Attention in School Children. OMICS Publishing Group, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7595.1000110 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7595.1000110
Saraswati, S. (1983). Surya Namaskar-A technique of solar vitalization, Munger Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India.
Siddappa Nandar., & Sundar Raj, Urs. (2014). Influence of suryanamaskar on human body. Academic Sports Scholar, 3(7).
McPhail, S. (2015). Multi-morbidity, obesity and quality of life among physically inactive Australians accessing physiotherapy clinics for musculoskeletal disorders. Physiotherapy, 101, e986–e987. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2015.03.1846 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2015.03.1846
King, A. C., & King, D. K. (2010). Physical Activity for an Aging Population. Public Health Reviews, 32(2), 401-426. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391609 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391609
Park, J H., Moon, J., Kim, H J., Kong, M H., & Oh, Y H. (2020, November 20). Sedentary Lifestyle: Overview of Updated Evidence of Potential Health Risks. Korean Academy of Family Medicine, 41(6), 365-373. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.20.0165 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.20.0165
Reid, M C. (2018, June 29). Sensitivity to Physical Activity: Identifying Important Predictors and Outcomes in Pain-Free Older Adults Using a Simple Activity-Related Measure. Oxford University Press, 19(8), 1512-1513. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pny130 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pny130
Micheo, W., Baerga, L., & Miranda, G. (2012). Basic Principles Regarding Strength, Flexibility, and Stability Exercises. PM&R, 4(11), 805-811. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2012.09.583 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2012.09.583
Walsh, R. (2011, January 1). Lifestyle and mental health. American Psychological Association, 66(7), 579-592. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021769 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021769
Jones, C. J., Rikli, R. E., Max, J., & Noffal, G. (1998). The reliability and validity of a chair sit-and-reach test as a measure of hamstring flexibility in older adults. Research quarterly for exercise and sport, 69(4), 338-343. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.1998.10607708 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.1998.10607708
Patterson, P., Wiksten, D. L., Ray, L., Flanders, C., & Sanphy, D. (1996). The validity and reliability of the back saver sit-and-reach test in middle school girls and boys. Research quarterly for exercise and sport, 67(4), 448-451. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.1996.10607976 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.1996.10607976
Norkin, C.C., & White, D.J. (2017) Measurement of Joint Motion: A Guide to Goniometry. 5th Edition, F. A. Davis Company, Philadelphia.
Tripathi, M. K., & Bharadwaj, B. K. (2013). Effect of Pranayama & Yoga-Asana on Cognitive Brain Functions in Type 2 Alzheimer-P3 Event Related Evoked Potential (ERP). SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2322399 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2322399
Sarkar, D. (2022). Effect of Surya namaskar on selected physical fitness variables of physical education students. AkiNik Publications, 9(1), 425-427. https://doi.org/10.22271/kheljournal.2022.v9.i1g.2412 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/kheljournal.2022.v9.i1g.2412
Saraswati, S. (2004). Surya Namaskar-A technique of solar vitalization (2nd edition). Yoga Publications Trust, Mungar, Bihar, India, 3-5,12,18.
Mangaonkar , A. ., & Puntambekar, A. . (2018). Effect of suryanamaskar vs dynamic stretching on hamstring flexibility among physiotherapy students: a pilot study. International Journal of Physiotherapy, 5(6), 202-206. https://doi.org/10.15621/ijphy/2018/v5i6/178058 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15621/ijphy/2018/v5i6/178058
Dr. Anurodh Singh Sisodia (2017). Effect of Surynamaskar on flexibility of school girls. Int J Phys Educ Sports Health, 4(2), 154-156.
Balaji, E., Murugavel, K., Rajkumar, M., Logeswaran, S., Vijayasankar, V., & Devaraj, C. (2024). The Effect of a Six-Week Course of Surya Namaskar Practice on Back Flexibility and Lumbar Flexion in Male College Students. Physical Education Theory and Methodology, 24(1), 41-46. https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2024.1.05 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2024.1.05
Borker, A. S., & Pednekar, J. R. (2003). Effect of pranayam on visual and auditory reaction time. Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology, 47(2), 229-230.
Kanwaljeet, Singh & Bal, Baljinder & Wilfred, Vaz. (2010). The effect of suryanamaskar yogasana on muscular endurance and flexibility among intercollege yoginis. Citius Altius Fortius. 27.
Fondran, K. M. (2008). The effect of Surya Namaskara yoga practice on resting heart rate and blood pressure, flexibility, upper body muscle endurance, and perceived well-being in healthy adults (Master’s thesis). Cleveland State University. Retrieved from https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/etdarchive/550
Murray, K. O., Mahoney, S. A., Venkatasubramanian, R., Seals, D. R., & Clayton, Z. S. (2023). Aging, aerobic exercise, and cardiovascular health: Barriers, alternative strategies and future directions. Experimental Gerontology, 173, 112105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2023.112105 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2023.112105
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Suchishrava Dubey, Prashant Kumar Choudhary
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
