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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Subject-specific Musculoskeletal Model for Studying Bone Strain During Dynamic Motion
Published on: April 11, 2018
A mathematical model of effects on specific joints during practice of the Sun Salutation--a sequence of yoga postures
S N Omkar1, Meenakshi Mour, Debarun Das
1Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India. omkar@aero.iisc.ernet.in
Abstract:
The 'Sun Salutation' consists of a sequence of ten yoga postures, each posture counteracting the preceding one producing a balance between flexion and extension, performed with synchronized breathing and aerobic activity. As this sequence is often performed and recommended by many yoga practitioners, there is a need for the development of a biomechanical model to support its reported clinical benefits. This requires a detailed knowledge of the nature of the forces and moments at the various joints involved. A simple mathematical model based on rigid body mechanics is developed for each of the Sun Salutation postures. Dynamic moments with high magnitudes and rates, applied with unusual distribution patterns, optimal for osteogenesis, are found to occur. Also, the joints are subjected to submaximal loadings thus ensuring that none of the joints are overstressed.
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